Part 53 (1/2)

I a.s.suredly, dear mother--a.s.suredly----

APPIANI (_thoughtful and melancholy_).

Signify tears!

EMILIA.

How! Does that affect you? You?

APPIANI.

It does, though I ought to be ashamed that such is the case; yet when the fancy is once disposed to sad impressions----

EMILIA.

But why should yours be so? Guess the subject of my thoughts. What did I wear, and how did I look when I first attracted your attention? Do you remember?

APPIANI.

Remember! I never see you in idea but in that dress, and I see you so, even when you are not thus attired.

EMILIA.

I mean to wear one of the same colour and form--flowing and loose.

APPIANI.

Excellent!

EMILIA.

And my hair----

APPIANI.

In its own dark beauty, in curls formed by the hand of nature.

EMILIA.

Not forgetting the rose. Right! Have a little patience, and you shall see me thus. (_Exit_.)

Scene VIII.

Count Appiani, Claudia Galotti.

APPIANI (_looks after her with a downcast mien_).

”Pearls signify tears!”--a little patience! Yes! if we could but defy time! If a minute on the clock were not sometimes an age within us!