Part 71 (1/2)

ODOARDO.

Is it true that the Prince spoke this morning to Emilia, at the church?

CLAUDIA.

It is; but if you knew how much she was alarmed--with what terror she rushed home.

ORSINA.

Now, was my information false?

ODOARDO (_with a bitter laugh_).

I would not that it were! For worlds I would not that it were!

ORSINA.

Am I a lunatic?

ODOARDO (_wildly pacing the apartment_).

Oh!--nor as yet am I.

CLAUDIA.

You commanded me to be calm, and I obeyed--My dear husband, may I--may I entreat----

ODOARDO.

What do you mean? Am I not calm? Who can be calmer than I? (_Putting restraint upon himself_.) Does Emilia know that Appiani is dead?

CLAUDIA.

She cannot know it, but I fear that she suspects it, because he does not appear.

ODOARDO.

And she weeps and sobs.

CLAUDIA.

No more. That is over, like her nature, which you know. She is the most timid, yet the most resolute of her s.e.x; incapable of governing her first emotions, but upon the least reflection calm and prepared for all. She keeps the Prince at a distance--she speaks to him in a tone----Let us, dear Odoardo, depart immediately.

ODOARDO.

I came on horseback hither. What is to be done? You, Madam, will probably return to town?

ORSINA.