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A very splendid apartment in Count ''house, fancifully decorated. A wide folding door opened, shews another magnificent room lighted up to receive company. Enter through the folding doors the Count and Countess, richly dressed.''

''Freb. (Looking round.)'' In truth, I like those decorations well; They suit those lofty walls. And here, my love. The gay profusion of a woman's fancy Is well display'd. Noble simplicity Becomes us less on such a night as this Than gaudy show.

Lady. Is it not noble, then? (He shakes his head.) I thought it so, And as I know you love simplicity, I did intend it should be simple too.

Freb. Be satisfy'd, I pray; we want to-night A cheerful banquet-house, and not a temple. How runs the hour?

Lady. It is not late, but soon we shall be rous'd With the loud entry of our frolick guests.

Page. Madam, there is a Lady in your hall, Who begs to be admitted to your presence.

Lady. Is it not one of our invited friends?

Page. No, far unlike to them; it is a stranger.