Scene V.

_The_ Prince, Emilia, _and_ Marinelli.

PRINCE.

Where is she? Where is she?--We have sought you everywhere, dear lady.--You are well, I hope? Now, all is well. The Count and your mother----

EMILIA.

Oh, your Highness! Where are they? Where is my mother?

PRINCE.

Not far off, close at hand.

EMILIA.

Heavens! In what a situation shall I perhaps find one or other of them! For your Highness conceals from me--I perceive----

PRINCE.

I conceal nothing, be assured. Lean on my arm, and accompany me to them without fear.

EMILIA (_irresolute_).

But--if they be not wounded--if my suspicions be not true--why are they not already here?

PRINCE.

Hasten then, that all these sad apprehensions may at once be banished.

EMILIA.

What shall I do? (_wrings her hands_).

PRINCE.

How, dear lady! Can you harbour any suspicion against me?

EMILIA (_falls at his feet_).

On my knees I entreat you----

PRINCE (_raising her_).

I am quite ashamed.--Yes, Emilia, I deserve this mute reproach. My conduct this morning cannot be justified, or even excused. Pardon my weakness: I ought not to have made you uneasy by an avowal, from which I could expect no advantage. I was amply punished by the speechless agitation with which you listened to it, or rather did not listen to it. And if I might be allowed to think this accident the signal of more favourable fortune--the most wondrous respite of my final sentence--this accident, which allows me to behold and speak to you again before my hopes for ever vanish--this accident, which gives me an opportunity of imploring your forgiveness--yet will I--do not tremble--yet will I rely only and entirely on your looks. Not a sigh, not a syllable shall offend you. Only wound me not with suspicions--do not for a moment doubt the unbounded influence which you possess over me--only imagine not that you need any protection against me. And now come--come where delights more in harmony with your feelings, await you. (_Leads her away, not without opposition_.) Follow us, Marinelli.

(_Exeunt_ Prince _and_ Emilia.)

MARINELLI.

Follow us! That means of course--Follow us not. And why should I follow them? He will now find how far he can proceed with her, without witnesses. All that I have to do is to prevent intrusion. From the Count I no longer expect it--but from her mother. Wonderful, indeed, would it be, were she to have departed quietly, leaving her daughter unprotected. Well, Battista, what now?