Part 66 (2/2)

Am I not? True; I am a philosopher. But have I now shown it; ah, shame!

If I have shown it, and have often done so, it were no wonder if the Prince despised me. How can man love a creature which, in spite of him, will _think_? A woman who thinks is as silly as a man who uses paint.

She ought to laugh--do nothing but laugh, that the mighty lords of the creation may be kept in good humour--What makes me laugh now, Marinelli? Why, the accidental circ.u.mstance that I should have written to the Prince to come hither--that he should not have read my letter and nevertheless have come. Ha! ha! ha! 'Tis an odd accident, very pleasant and amusing. Why don't you laugh, Marinelli? The mighty lords of the creation may laugh, though we poor creatures dare not think.

(_In a serious and commanding tone_.) Then laugh, you!

MARINELLI.

Presently, Countess, presently.

ORSINA.

Blockhead! while you speak the proper moment is for ever past. No. Do not laugh--for mark me, Marinelli, (_with emotion_) that which makes me laugh, has, like every thing in the world, its serious side. Accident!

Could it be accidental that the Prince, who little thought that he would see me here, must see me?--Accident! Believe me, Marinelli, the word accident is blasphemy. Nothing under the sun is accidental, and least of all this, of which the purpose is so evident.--Almighty and all--bounteous Providence, pardon me that I joined this poor weak sinner in giving the name of accident to what so plainly is Thy work--yes, Thy immediate work. (_In a hasty tone to_ Marinelli.) Dare not again to lead me thus astray from truth.

MARINELLI.

This is going too far (_aside_)--But, Countess----

ORSINA.

Peace with your _but_--that word demands reflection, and--my head, my head!--(_Puts her hand to her forehead_)--Contrive that I may speak to the Prince immediately, or I shall soon want strength to do so. You see, Marinelli, that I must speak to him--that I am resolved to speak to him.

Scene IV.

The Prince, Orsina, Marinelli.

PRINCE (_aside, as he advances_).

I must come to his a.s.sistance.

ORSINA (_espies him, but remains irresolute whether to approach him or not_).

Ha! There he is.

PRINCE (_walks straight across the room towards the other apartments_).

Ha! The fair Countess, as I live. How sorry I am, Madam, that I can to-day so ill avail myself of the honour of your visit. I am engaged. I am not alone. Another time, dear Countess, another time. At present stay no longer--no longer, I beg. And you, Marinelli--I want you.

(_Exit_.)

Scene V.

Orsina, Marinelli.

MARINELLI.

Your ladys.h.i.+p has now heard, from himself, what you would not believe from my lips, have you not?

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