University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

The Antichamber to the Saloon.
Enter Lapont and Teresa.
TERESA.
Alas! I fear she's gone to that apartment!

LAPONT.
I wonder at such rashness!—Are you sure
Your noble Lady is not in her chamber?

TERESA.
Wou'd that she were! She bade me call up Blaise,
And from that moment neither have been seen.

LAPONT.
It must be so!—Each circumstance confirms it:
She sent for him to shew the haunted rooms,
But little knows the dangers she may run,
By braving the inexorable spirit!
I know, by proof, its fierce vindictive nature.

TERESA.
O Heaven! Dear, kind Lapont, do not desert us!
How shall we save the too presumptuous Countess?
She may be lost if you cannot assist her.

LAPONT.
Be calm! To save her life I'll risk my own.
I yet, perhaps, may be in time to warn her.
From a bold enterprise may prove her ruin;
Caution and prudence, will do more than courage,
Where we encounter supernatural things.—
Let the profoundest silence seal your lips!—

TERESA.
O! doubt me not! In all you shall direct.
But, pray! inform me of the Countess' safety:
My fears will almost kill me till you come.

LAPONT.
Go to your chamber, where remain in peace
'Till I shall seek you. Save your Lady's credit,
And doing so, the honor of this house,
By keeping all a secret from her guests.—
This is of more importance than you think.
Trust all to me:—you shall know more hereafter;
For my fond heart beats warmly in your favor.—
I'll see you safe, and then will seek the Countess.
Trust to my friendly counsel, and fear nothing.

[Exeunt.