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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 345 favour the first, but rejects the latter. The two lovers amuse themselves with the simple Mathurin, who exhibits all the marks of disappointment. The Steward enters, he holds a paper in his hand, and seems occupied in preparing a speech he is to deliver. Mathurin, perceiving him, leaves Colin and Louise and hastens to make complaint of his treatment. The Steward, busily engaged in his own affairs, pays no attention to him. Mathurin is offended, and all present themselves before the Steward, to acquaint him with their several pretensions ; but the latter, not attending to their request, wishes them to listen to the address he has prepared for the Marquis; they turn away from him offended ; upon which the Steward forbids both the pretenders to speak to his niece, adding, that he shall not make known his intentions until the arrival of the Marquis ; he then withdraws, taking Louise with him; Colin steals after, unper-ceived. Mathurin, left to himself, is in despair; he knows not on what to resolve, and falls into a reverie. Frontin enters ; having left his master at the house of a favourite lady, he has preceded him to announce his arrival. H e examines the place in which he is. Mathurin perceives him, and observing a dress and air he is unaccustomed to see, mistakes Frontin for the Marquis. He bows without knowing when to have done. Frontin appears surprised at such a reception. Mathurin gives him to understand that all are impatient to behold him in the village, and describes the honours that will be paid him, and the fetes intended to celebrate his arrival. Frontin, charmed at this description, and dazzled with the honours of distinction, makes several awkward reflections. A n idea strikes him, he appears delighted at it; but hesitates before attempting to put it into execution |