Part 50 (1/2)

Sir!

ODOARDO.

Lead my horse to the Count's door. I'll follow you anon, and mount it there. (_Exit_ Pirro).--Why should the Count serve here, when he may command elsewhere? Besides, you do not consider, Claudia, that, by his union with my daughter, he is utterly ruined with the Prince? The Prince hates me----

CLAUDIA.

Less, perhaps, than you fear.

ODOARDO.

Fear! Should I fear anything so contemptible?

CLAUDIA.

Why, have I not already told you that the Prince has seen our daughter?

ODOARDO.

The Prince! Where?

CLAUDIA.

At the last a.s.sembly of the Chancellor Grimaldi, which he honoured with his presence. He conducted himself so graciously towards her----

ODOARDO.

Graciously?

CLAUDIA.

Yes. He conversed with her for some time.

ODOARDO.

Conversed with her?

CLAUDIA.

Appeared to be so delighted with her cheerfulness and good sense----

ODOARDO.

Delighted?

CLAUDIA.

Spoke of her elegance and beauty, in terms of such admiration----

ODOARDO.