Chapter 97

_COUNTESS, GORDON._

_Gordon (rushes in out of breath)._ 'Tis a mistake, 'Tis not the Swedes--Ye must proceed no further-- Butler! O God! Where is he? [_Then observing the COUNTESS._ Countess! Say----

_Countess._ You are come then from the castle? Where's my husband?

_Gordon._ Your husband!--Ask not!--To the Duke---- 5

_Countess._ Not till You have discovered to me----

_Gordon._ On this moment Does the world hang. For God's sake! to the Duke. While we are speaking---- [_Calling loudly._ Butler! Butler! God!

_Countess._ Why, he is at the castle with my husband.

[_BUTLER comes from the gallery._

_Gordon._ 'Twas a mistake--'Tis not the Swedes--it is 10 The Imperialist's Lieutenant-General Has sent me hither, will be here himself Instantly.--You must not proceed.

_Butler._ He comes Too late. [_GORDON dashes himself against the wall._

_Gordon._ O God of mercy!

_Countess._ What too late? Who will be here himself? Octavio 15 In Egra? Treason! Treason! Where's the Duke?

[_She rushes to the gallery._

LINENOTES:

[Before 5] _Gordon (in an agony of affright)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.