Part 55 (1/2)

You are jesting, Count.

APPIANI.

With you?

MARINELLI.

Incomparable! If with the Prince, the joke is so much the merrier.--You cannot?

APPIANI.

No, my lord, no--and I trust that the Prince himself will think my excuse sufficient.

MARINELLI.

I am eager to hear it.

APPIANI.

Oh, it is a mere trifle. I mean to be married to-day.

MARINELLI.

Indeed!--and what then?

APPIANI.

And what then?--Your question shows a cursed simplicity!

MARINELLI.

There are examples, Count, of marriages having been deferred. I do not mean to infer that the delay was pleasant to the bride and bridegroom.

To them it was, no doubt, a trial, yet the sovereign's command----

APPIANI.

Sovereign's command? A sovereign of my own option, I am not so strictly bound to obey. I admit that you owe the Prince absolute obedience, but not I. I came to his court a volunteer. I wished to enjoy the honour of serving him, but not of being his slave. I am the va.s.sal of a greater sovereign.

MARINELLI.

Greater or smaller, a monarch is a monarch.

APPIANI.

Idle controversy! Enough! Tell the Prince what you have heard. Tell him I am sorry I cannot accept the honour, as I to-day intend to solemnize an union which will consummate my happiness.

MARINELLI.

Will you not at the same time inform him with whom?