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Bar. Better than well, Madam: it was the counter-part of my enacting the Baron.

Jean. Indeed, dear Baron, the Countess knew it was you, and so did I too. Indeed, indeed, we did. I'm sure it is a very good joke: I wonder we don't laugh more at it than we do.

Bar. Be quiet, subordinate imp of this arch tempter! My thraldom is at an end; and all the jewels in that shameful heap were not too great a price for such emancipation. (Bowing very low to Countess.) Adieu! most amiable, most sentimental, most disinterested of women! [.

Countess. Hovelberg, you have betrayed me.

Hov. How so, Madam? You told me yourself you were the most sincere woman in the world; the Baron doubted your regard for him; how could I then dissuade him from putting it to the proof, unless I had doubted your word, Madam? an insult you could never have pardoned.

Countess. What, you laugh at me, too, you villian! ( Hovel.) Oh! I am ruined, derided, and betrayed! (Throws herself into a chair, covering her face with her hand, while Jeanetta endeavours to comfort her.)

Jean. Be not so cast down, my Lady, there are more than one rich fool in the world, and you have a good knack at finding them out.

Countess. O, that I should have been so unguarded! That I should never have suspected!