_Oliv._ Why did you not give it me at first? [_Reads._]
_Min._ Because I didn't like to be cut out of my story. If orators were obliged to come to the point at once, mercy on us! what tropes and figures we should lose!
_Oliv._ Oh, Minette! I give you leave to smirk again--listen. [_Reads._] _I am more terrified at the idea of becoming your father's wife, than you are in expectation of a stepmother; and Don Cæsar would be as loath as either of us.--He only means to frighten you into matrimony, and I have, on certain conditions, agreed to assist him; but, whatever you may hear, or see, be assured that nothing is so impossible, as that he should become the husband of Donna Marcella._--Oh, delightful girl! how I love her for this!
_Min._ Yes, ma'am; and if you'd had patience, I should have told you that she's now here with Don Cæsar, in grave debate how to begin the attack; which must force you to take shelter in the arms of a husband.
_Oliv._ Ah, no matter how they begin it. Let them amuse themselves in raising batteries; my reserved fire shall tumble them about their ears, in the moment my poor father is singing his Io's for victory.--But here come the lovers--Well, I protest now, sixteen and sixty is a very comely sight.--'Tis contrast gives effect to every thing.--Lud! how my father ogles! I had no idea he was such a sort of man. I am really afraid he isn't quite so good as he should be!
_Enter_ DON CÆSAR, _leading_ MARCELLA, L.
_Cæsar._ H--um! Madam looks very placid; we shall discompose her, or I am mistaken. [_Apart._] So, Olivia, here's Donna Marcella come to visit you--though, as matters are, that respect is due from you.
_Oliv._ I am sensible of the condescension. My dear ma'am, how very good this is! [_Taking her hand._]
_Cæsar._ Yes, you'll think yourself wonderfully obliged, when you know all! [_Aside._] Pray, Donna Marcella, what do you think of these apartments?--The furniture and decorations are my daughter's taste; would you wish them to remain, or will you give orders to have them changed?
_Mar._ Changed, undoubtedly; I can have nobody's taste govern my apartments but my own.
_Cæsar._ Ah that touches!--See how she looks!--[_Apart._] They shall receive your orders.--You understand, I suppose, from this, that every thing is fixed on between Donna Marcella and me?