He is still bent on solving the problem
of the "Philosopher's Stone." His laboratory is set up in the vaults
beneath the palace--so that smells from chemical experiments may
not incommode the Countess, in the higher regions of the house.
The one obstacle in the way of his grand discovery is, as usual,
the want of money. His position at the present time has become
truly critical. He owes debts of honour to gentlemen in his own
rank of life, which must positively be paid; and he proposes,
in his own friendly manner, to borrow the money of my Lord.
My Lord positively refuses, in the rudest terms. The Baron applies
to his sister to exercise her conjugal influence. She can only answer
that her noble husband (being no longer distractedly in love with her)
now appears in his true character, as one of the meanest men living.
The sacrifice of the marriage has been made, and has already
proved useless.
'Such is the state of affairs at the opening of the Second Act.
'The entrance of the Countess suddenly disturbs the Baron's reflections.
She is in a state bordering on frenzy. Incoherent expressions of rage
burst from her lips: it is some time before she can sufficiently
control herself to speak plainly.
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