is compelled to leave Scotland on a political mission that will carry him to France... And although he has sworn upon his father's tomb to avenge him, he thinks of meeting Enrico Ashton to ask him for Lucia's hand. But Lucia persuades him that there is no hope in that. So he agrees with her to keep their love hidden in secrecy, though his heart is torn between his love for Lucia and his hatred of her brother...

The two lovers exchange rings and swear eternal fidelity, and the scene ends with a sung dialogue that opens: "When darkness falls."

Act Two

Scene One: A room in Lammermoor Castle.

Edgardo has been in France for some months, and Enrico, Lucia's

brother, has laid his hand on all his letters to her... We learn this from a brief exchange at the opening of the scene between Enrico and Normanno. The latter hands Lucia's brother a forged letter, the object of which is to convince Lucia that Edgardo has not been faithful to the pledge he bound himself to — namely, eternal fidelity to her love. On that day Enrico was awaiting the arrival of Lord Arturo Bucklaw, his candidate for marriage to his sister.

When Lucia enters the hall, her brother Enrico tries to win her over by showing her tenderness and affection and speaking to her of the glory of her house. But she speaks to him only of her despair, pointing to the pallor of

her features. Then Enrico plays his last card and shows her the forged letter. All her hopes collapse... At that very moment the footsteps of Lord Arturo are heard offstage. Enrico tells his sister that the house of Lammermoor will collapse unless she weds Lord Arturo, for he has not only lost his fortune but has committed several treasons against the King, and Lord Arturo is the one man of influence at the royal court through whom a pardon can be obtained.

Enrico goes out to receive his guest, while Lucia, heartbroken over the treachery of her beloved Edgardo, tells the kind-hearted guide Raimondo that she will marry Lord Arturo...

Scene Two: A great hall in the castle.

In

Crisco

Crisco

Delicious taste — quick digestion

The pure vegetable shortening with no trace of animal fat or grease

Crisco = the good and the pure in vegetable shortening

For all dishes, light fried foods, and every kind of sweets