Entering the garden by the side door (you must give me the master-key), I shall creep to Marcolina's window, which must be opened for me at midnight.

I shall have taken off my clothes in the carriage, even to my shoes and stockings, and shall wear only your cloak, so that when I take to flight nothing will be left to betray either you or me.

The cloak and the two thousand ducats will be at your disposal at five o'clock to-morrow morning in the inn at Mantua, so that you may deliver over the money to the Marchese even before the appointed hour.

I pledge my solemn oath to fulfil my side of the bargain.

I have finished." Suddenly he stood still.