a clasp of emeralds. See! They will become you.

GRACIOSA
(_Taking them, pressing them to her cheek._) How cool! But I--poor child
of a poor noble--I cannot afford such.

GUIDO
Oh, I did not mean to offer them to you to-day. No, this string is
intended for the Duke's favorite, Count Eglamore.

GRACIOSA
(_Stiffening._) Count Eglamore! These are for him?

GUIDO
For Count Eglamore.

GRACIOSA
Has the upstart such taste?

GUIDO
If it be taste to appreciate pearls, then the Duke's chief officer has
excellent taste. He seeks them far and wide. He will be very generous in
paying for this string.

_GRACIOSA drops the pearls, in which she no longer delights. She returns
to the bench, and sits down and speaks with a sort of disappointment._

GRACIOSA
I am sorry to learn that this Eglamore is among your patrons.