PED. If you are looking for me, Madam, here I am.

EL. Where is your master....

PED. He is hard by; shall I fetch him?

EL. Desire him to come; tell him that he is impatiently expected, and
that no one shall see him. (_Alone_). I cannot unravel this mystery; all
the precautions he takes ... But here he is already.




SCENE IV.--DONNA INEZ, _in man's dress_, ELIZA.


EL. My Lord, in order to wait for you, we have prepared.... But what do
I see? Ah! Madam, my eyes....

INEZ. Do not tell any one, Eliza, I am here; allow me to pass my sad
days in peace. I pretended to kill myself. By this feigned death I got
rid of all my tyrants; for this is the name my relatives deserve. Thus I
have avoided a dreadful marriage; rather than have consented, I would
really have killed myself. This dress, and the report of my death, will
keep the secret of my fate from all, and secure me against that unjust
persecution which may even follow me hither.

EL. My surprise might have betrayed you, if I had seen you in public;
but go into this room and put an end to the sorrow of the Princess; her
heart will be filled with joy when she shall behold you. You will find