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Dart. Depend upon it. [ severally.

''A Room hung with Paintings, and enriched with Carving and Ornaments, &c. Enter and''.

Vald. Here are some good paintings, De Bertrand; if you have any taste for the art, they will please you. This Guido on the left is a divine thing. The Magdalen in Count Orrinberg's collection was considered as superior to it; but I always maintained this to be the best painting of the two, and the world have at last adopted my opinion. I have always decidedly thought—but you are not looking at it. Is there any thing in that door to arrest your attention? The carving on it is but indifferent.

Ant. I thought I heard footsteps. She's coming.

Vald. Pooh! she won't be here this half hour; so you need not yet take alarm, as if an enemy were advancing upon you.

Ant. You connect the idea of alarm with an enemy; would I had firmness to face what I love! You are a happy man, Valdemere, and a bold one too, most assuredly: what would not I give for a little of your happy self-possession.

Vald. Aye, it is an article of some value: he who can't possess himself, must not expect to possess his mistress.