LADY MILFORD (with visible emotion). Not at all, baron—not in the least.     

       FERDINAND. I wait on your ladyship, at the command of my father.     

       LADY MILFORD. Therein I am his debtor.     

       FERDINAND. And I am charged to announce to you that our marriage is determined on. Thus far I fulfil the commission of my father.     

       LADY MILFORD (changing color and trembling). And not of your own heart?     

       FERDINAND. Ministers and panders have no concern with hearts.     

       LADY MILFORD (almost speechless with emotion). And you yourself—have you nothing to add?     

       FERDINAND (looking at SOPHY). Much! my lady, much!     

       LADY MILFORD (motions to SOPHY to withdraw). May I beg you to take a seat by my side?     

       FERDINAND. I will be brief, lady.     

       LADY MILFORD. Well!     

       FERDINAND. I am a man of honor!     

       LADY MILFORD. Whose worth I know how to appreciate.     

       FERDINAND. I am of noble birth!     

       LADY MILFORD. Noble as any in the land!     

       FERDINAND. A soldier!     

       LADY MILFORD (in a soft, affectionate manner). Thus far you have only enumerated advantages which you share in common with many others. Why are you so silent regarding those noble qualities which are peculiarly your own?     

       FERDINAND (coldly). Here they would be out of place.     

       LADY MILFORD (with increasing agitation). In what light am I to understand this prelude?     

       FERDINAND (slowly, and with emphasis). As 

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