Baron.
The whole caſtle ſmells of his perfumery. Go, call my daughter hither. [Exit Gentleman.] And am I after all to have an ape for a ſon-in-law? No, I ſhall not be in a hurry—I love my daughter too well. We muſt be better acquainted before I give her to him. I ſhall not ſacrifice my Amelia to the will of others, as I myſelf was ſacrificed. The poor girl might, in thoughtleſſheſs, ſay yes, and afterwards be miſerable. What a pity ſhe is not a boy! The name of Wildenhaim will die with me. My fine eſtates, my good peaſants, all will fall into the hands of ſtrangers. Oh! why was not my Amelia a boy?
Enter Amelia—[She kiſſes the Baron’s hand.]
Amelia.
Good morning, dear my lord.
Baron.
Good morning, Amelia. Have you ſlept well?
Amelia.
Oh! yes, papa. I always ſleep well.
Baron.
Not a little reſtleſs laſt night?
Amelia.
No.
Baron.
Amelia, you know you have a father who loves you, and I believe you know you have a ſuitor who is come to aſk permiſſion to love you. Tell me candidly how you like Count Caſſel?
Amelia.
Very well.
