ANHALT. Good neighbours, will you leave us alone for a few minutes? I
have something to say to this poor woman.

COTTAGER. Wife, do you hear? Come along with me. [Exeunt Cottager
and his Wife.]

ANHALT. Now----

AGATHA. Before I tell you who I am, what I am, and what I was----I
must beg to ask----Are you of this country?

ANHALT. No--I was born in Alsace.

AGATHA. Did you know the late rector personally, whom you have
succeeded?

ANHALT. No.

AGATHA. Then you are not acquainted with my narrative?

ANHALT. Should I find you to be the person whom I have long been in
search of, your history is not altogether unknown to me.

AGATHA. "That you have been in search of!" Who gave you such a
commission?

ANHALT. A man, who, if it so prove, is much concerned for your
misfortunes.

AGATHA. How? Oh, Sir! tell me quickly--Whom do you think to find in