Part 4 — SCENE XX.—Portsmouth. LORD SEAFORD, partially recovered. Enter LADY GERTRUDE and BERNARD.
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Lady Gertrude. I have found an old friend, father. Here he is!
Lord S. Bernard! Who would have thought to see you here!
Bern. I came on Lady Gertrude in the street. I know not which of us was more surprised.
[LADY GERTRUDE goes.]
Bern. Where is the countess?
Lord S. Countess! What do you mean? I do not know.
Bern. The Italian lady.
Lord S. Countess Lamballa, do you mean? You frighten me!
Bern. I am glad indeed to know your ignorance; For since I saw the count, I would not have you Wrong one gray hair upon his noble head.
[LORD SEAFORD covers his eyes with his hands.]
You have not then heard the news about yourself? Such interesting echoes reach the last A man's own ear. The public has decreed You and the countess run away together. 'Tis certain she has balked the London Argos, And that she has been often to your house. The count believes it—clearly from his face: The man is dying slowly on his feet.
Lord S. (starting up and ringing the bell). O God! what am I? My love burns like hate, Scorching and blasting with a fiery breath!
Bern. What the deuce ails you, Seaford? Are you raving?
Enter Waiter.
Lord S. Post-chaise for London—four horses—instantly.
[He sinks exhausted in his chair.]