, , , and enter.

No, we'll sneak away at supper time, disguise ourselves with masks at my house, and come back in an hour.

But we haven't made any preparations.

We haven't even talked about who'll be our torchbearers.

The masquerade party might turn out terribly if we don't manage things carefully. I think it's better to call it off.

It's only four o'clock now. We have two hours to get ready.

enters with a letter.

Launcelot, what's going on?

(he gives LORENZO the letter) If you don't mind opening this letter, you can find out for yourself.

I recognize the handwriting. It's beautiful handwriting. And the beautiful hand that wrote this letter is whiter than the paper it's written on.

I bet it's a love letter!

(to LORENZO) May I be excused, sir?

Where are you going?

To invite my former boss, the Jew, to dine tonight with my new master, the Christian.

(he gives LAUNCELOT money) Hold on, take this. Tell Jessica I won't fail her. Tell her in private.-Go, gentlemen, get ready for the masquerade tonight. I have someone who can be my torchbearer.

exits.

All right, I'll go get things ready.

Me too.

Meet me and Gratiano at his house in about an hour.

It's good we're doing this.

and exit.

Wasn't that letter from Jessica?

I have to tell you everything. She's told me how I can get her out of her father's house. She's also told me what gold and jewels she owns, and she's described the page's uniform she's keeping to wear as a disguise. If her father ever goes to heaven, it'll be because his daughter's so good. She'll never be punished with bad luck-unless it's because her father is an unbelieving Jew. Come with me. (givesGRATIANO the letter) You can look this letter over as you go. Beautiful Jessica will be my torchbearer.

They exit.