Part 68 (1/2)

Yes, I could kiss--him--even wert thou that devil, Marinelli.

MARINELLI.

Countess!

ORSINA.

Come hither. Look at me--steadfastly--eye to eye.

MARINELLI.

Well?

ORSINA.

Know you not my thoughts?

MARINELLI.

How can I?

ORSINA.

Have you no concern in it?

MARINELLI.

In what?

ORSINA.

Swear. No, do not swear, for that might be another crime. But yes--swear. One sin more or less is of no consequence to a man who is already d.a.m.ned. Have you no concern in it?

MARINELLI.

You alarm me, Countess.

ORSINA.

Indeed! Now, Marinelli--has your good heart no suspicion?

MARINELLI.

Suspicion? Of what?

ORSINA.

'Tis well. Then I will entrust you with a secret--a secret, which will make each hair upon your head stand on end. But here, so near the door, some one might overhear us. Come here--(_puts her finger to her mouth_)--mark me, it is a secret--a profound secret. (_Places her mouth to his ear, as if about to whisper, and shouts as loudly as she can_) The Prince is a murderer!

MARINELLI.