The COUNTESS steps out from a closet.

COUNT and COUNTESS TERZKY.

TERZKY.
Well—is she coming? I can keep him back
No longer.

COUNTESS.
She will be here instantly,
You only send him.

TERZKY.
I am not quite certain,
I must confess it, countess, whether or not
We are earning the duke's thanks hereby. You know
No ray has broke out from him on this point.
You have o'erruled me, and yourself know best
How far you dare proceed.

COUNTESS.
I take it on me.
[Talking to herself while she is advancing.
Here's no heed of full powers and commissions;
My cloudy duke! we understand each other—
And without words. What could I not unriddle,
Wherefore the daughter should be sent for hither,
Why first he, and no other should be chosen
To fetch her hither? This sham of betrothing her
To a bridegroom 9, whom no one knows—No! no!
This may blind others! I see through thee, brother!
But it beseems thee not to draw a card
At such a game. Not yet! It all remains
Mutely delivered up to my finessing.
Well—thou shalt not have been deceived, Duke Friedland,
In her who is thy sister.

SERVANT (enters).
The commanders!
[Exit.

TERZKY (to the COUNTESS).
Take care you heat his fancy and affections—
Possess him with a reverie, and send him,
Absent and dreaming to the banquet; that
He may not boggle at the signature.

COUNTESS.
Take care of your guests! Go, send him hither.

TERZKY.
All rests upon his undersigning.

COUNTESS (interrupting him).
Go to your guests! Go——

ILLO (comes back).
Where art staying, Terzky?
The house is full, and all expecting you.

TERZKY.
Instantly! instantly!
[To the COUNTESS.
And let him not
Stay here too long. It might awake suspicion
In the old man——

COUNTESS.
A truce with your precautions!

[Exeunt TERZKY and ILLO.