Flatternot: I would not take upon myself the sin—do not be angry with me—to turn a little boy’s head, like your son’s, with fancies about his countship, highness, and similar folly; but I shall strive hard to set into his head and heart that he, being of noble birth, should possess, also, a noble mind.
Countess: And that is not a bad thing. But what are you thinking about, Count?
Count: I am thinking of what I hear, and can think about nothing; I know it’s dinner-time, and I beg you, marshal, and you, sir, to dine with me.
Flatternot: At your service.
Servant: Dinner is served.
Count: Come.
Scene III
Countess (alone): Thank Heaven that dinner is over! I have come here to rest from the conversation of the marshal and Flatternot; Heaven protect us from such fault-finders! At dinner I received a letter from Countess Folliest; I did not manage to read it; now I’ll read it at my leisure. (Reads.) “Dear Countess,—If you wish, you can take Mr. Pelican now as tutor for
