COUNTESS.
If he be
Still here, then all goes well; for I know what
[Embracing THEKLA.
Will keep him here forever.

TERZKY.
It can't be.
His father has betrayed us, is gone over
To the emperor--the son could not have ventured
To stay behind.

THEKLA (her eye fixed on the door).
There he is!



SCENE XVIII.

To these enter MAX. PICCOLOMINI.

MAX.
Yes, here he is! I can endure no longer
To creep on tiptoe round this house, and lurk
In ambush for a favorable moment:
This loitering, this suspense exceeds my powers.

[Advancing to THEKLA, who has thrown herself into her mother's arms.