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ACT II

Scene I

Susanna alone, comes out of her house and arranges her wares

Susanna. Bad times, little business to be done in this village. I have as yet sold but one fan, and that I have given for a price – really just to get rid of it. The people who can spend take their supplies in the city. From the poor there is little to earn. I am a fool to lose my time here in the midst of these peasants, without manners, without respect, who do not know the difference between a shopwoman of education and those who sell milk, salad, and eggs. My town education stands me no stead in the country. All equal, all companions, Susanna, Nina, Margherita, Lucia; the shopkeeper, the goatherd, the peasant, all one. The two ladies yonder are a little more considered, but little, very little. As for that impertinent Nina, because she is a little favoured by the gentry, she thinks she is something great. They have given her a fan. What will a peasant girl do with such a fan? Cut a dash, eh! the minx must fan herself, thus. Much good may it do you! Why, it's ridiculous, and yet these things at times make me rage. I, who have been well educated, I can't tolerate such absurdities. [Seats herself and works.]

Scene II

Candida, who comes out of the mansion

Candida. I shan't be at peace till I have cleared it up. I saw Evarist coming out of the shop and go to Nina, and certainly he gave her something. I must see if Susanna can tell me something. Yes, aunt is right, "Mistrust all strangers." Poor me! If he prove unfaithful! It is my first love. I have loved none but him. [Advances towards Susanna.]

Susanna. [Rises.] Ah, Signorina Candida, your humble servant.

Candida. Good day, Susanna. What are you working at so busily?

Susanna. I am making a cap.

Candida. To sell?

Susanna. To sell, but Heaven knows when.

Candida. It might be that I need a nightcap.

Susanna. I have some in stock. Will you see them?

Candida. No, no, there is no hurry. Another time.

Susanna. Will you take a seat? [Offers her chair.]

Candida. And you?

Susanna. Oh, I will fetch another chair. [She goes into the shop and brings out a second chair.] Pray sit here, you will be more comfortable.

Candida. You sit down also and go on working.

Susanna. [Does so.] What an honour you afford me! One sees at once you are well-born. He who is well-born despises no one. The peasants here are proud, and Nina especially.

Candida. Speaking of Nina, did you notice her when Signor Evarist spoke to her?

Susanna. Whether I noticed? I should think so.

Candida. He had a long confab with her.

Susanna. Do you know what happened after? Such a fight as there was!

Candida. I heard a noise, an angry discussion. They told me Crispino and Coronato were at loggerheads.

Susanna. Precisely, and all because of this beauty, this treasure.

Candida. But why?

Susanna. Jealousy between themselves, jealousy because of Signor Evarist.

Candida. Do you think Signor Evarist has any friendship for Nina?

Susanna. I know nothing. I do not concern myself about others' affairs, and think ill of no one; but if the host and the shoemaker are jealous of him, they must have their reasons.

Candida. [Aside.] Alas! the argument is but too true, to my prejudice.

Susanna. Excuse me, I should not like to make a mistake.

Candida. In what?

Susanna. I hope that you take no interest in Signor Evarist?

Candida. I? Oh, none whatever! I know him because he sometimes comes to the house, and is a friend of my aunt's.

Susanna. Then I will tell you the truth. [Aside.] I do not think this can offend her. I almost thought that between you and Signor Evarist there was some understanding, – of course permissible and respectable, – but since he was with me this morning, I am of another opinion.

Candida. He was with you this morning?

Susanna. Yes. He came to buy a fan.

Candida. [Eagerly.] He bought a fan?

Susanna. Precisely; and as I had seen that you had broken yours, so to speak, on his account, I at once said to myself, He buys it to give it to the Signorina Candida.

Candida. So he bought it for me?

Susanna. Oh no, Signorina. I will confess to you I took the liberty of asking him if he were buying it for you. He replied in a manner as if I had offended him, "That is not my business; what is there between me and the Signorina Candida? I have destined it elsewhere."

Candida. And what did he do with this fan?

Susanna. What did he do with it? He gave it to Nina.

Candida. [Aside.] Oh, I am lost! I am miserable!

Susanna. [Observing her agitation.] Signorina Candida!

Candida. [Aside.] Ungrateful, unfaithful, and for whom? – for a peasant girl!

Susanna. [With insistence.] Signorina Candida!

Candida. [Aside.] The offence is insupportable.

Susanna. [Aside.] Poor me! What have I done? – Signorina Candida, calm yourself, it may not be thus.

Candida. Do you believe he gave the fan to Nina?

Susanna. Oh, as to that, I saw it with my own eyes.

Candida. And then you say it may not be thus?

Susanna. I do not know – I do not wish that by my fault —

Scene III

The above. Geltrude at the door of the villa

Susanna. See, there is your aunt.

Candida. For Heaven's sake, say nothing!

Susanna. Do not fear. – [Aside.] And she would have me believe she does not love him! It's her own fault. Why did she not tell me the truth?

Geltrude. What are you doing here, niece?

[Candida and Susanna rise.]

Susanna. She is condescending to accord me her company.

Candida. I came to see if she sold nightcaps.

Susanna. Yes, it is true, she asked me about some. Oh, do not fear that your niece is not safe with me. I am no chatterbox, and my house is most respectable.

Geltrude. Do not justify yourself without being accused.

Susanna. I am very sensitive, Signora.

Geltrude. Why did you not tell me you needed a nightcap?

Candida. You were in your writing-room, and I did not wish to disturb you.

Susanna. Would you like to see it? I will go and get it. I pray, sit down. [Gives her chair to Geltrude, and goes into the shop.]

Geltrude. [Seating herself, to Candida.] Have you heard nothing of this encounter between the shoemaker and the host?

Candida. They say it is a matter of love and jealousy. They say Nina is the cause.

Geltrude. I am sorry, for she is a good girl.

Candida. Oh, aunt, excuse me; I have heard things about her of a nature that would make it better we should no longer let her come to the house.

Geltrude. Why? What have they told you?

Candida. I will tell you after. Do as I do, aunt; don't receive her any more, and you will do well.

Geltrude. Since she came more often to see you than to see me, I leave you free to treat her as you please.

Candida. [Aside.] The minx! she will not have the impudence to appear before me.

Susanna. [Returning.] Here are the caps, ladies; see, choose, and content yourselves. [All three occupied with the caps, and speaking softly among themselves.]

Scene IV

The above. The Count and the Baron come out of the inn

Count. I am glad you have confided in me. Leave the rest to me, and do not fear.

Baron. I know you are Signora Geltrude's friend.

Count. Oh, friend! – well, I will tell you. She is a lady who has some talents; I like literature, I converse with her more willingly than with any other. For the rest, she is a poor city dame. Her husband left her this wretched house and some acres of ground, and, in order to be respected in this village, she needs my protection.

Baron. Long live the Count who protects widows and fair ladies!

Count. What would you have? In this world one must be good for something.

Baron. Then you will do me the favour —

Count. Do not fear, I will speak to her; I will ask her niece's hand for a cavalier, who is my friend, and when I have asked her I am sure she will not have the courage to say no.

Baron. Tell her who I am.

Count. To what purpose, when it is I who ask?

Baron. But you ask for me.

Count. For you.

Baron. You know precisely who I am.

Count. How should I not know your titles, your faculties, your honours! Oh, we members of the aristocracy all know each other.

Baron. [Aside.] How I should laugh at him if I had not need of him!

Count. My dear colleague!

Baron. What is it?

Count. Behold Signora Geltrude and her niece.

Baron. They are busy; I do not think they have seen us.

Count. Certainly not. If Signora Geltrude had seen me, she would have moved instantly.

Baron. When will you speak to her?

Count. At once if you like.

Baron. It is not well I should be there. Speak to her. I will wait at the apothecary's. I am in your hands.

Count. Good-bye, dear colleague and friend.

Baron. Good-bye, beloved colleague. [Embraces him.] [Aside.] He is the maddest March hare in the world.

Count. [Calling aloud.] Signora Geltrude!

Geltrude. [Rising.] Oh, Count, excuse me! I did not see you.

Count. I beg, give me a word.

Susanna. Pray approach. My shop is at your service.

Count. No, no; I have something private to say. Excuse the trouble, but I beg you come here.

Geltrude. In a moment. Allow me to pay for a cap I have bought, and then I am at your disposal. [Pulls out a purse to pay Susanna, and to prolong the moment.]

Count. What! you would pay at once! I never had that vice.

Scene V

Coronato comes out of the inn with Scavezzo, who carries a barrel of wine on his shoulders

Coronato. Honoured sir, this is the barrel of wine for you.

Count. And the second?

Coronato. After this I will bring the second. Where shall we take it?

Count. To my palace.

Coronato. To whom shall I consign it?

Count. To my steward, if he is there.

Coronato. I am afraid he is not there.

Count. Give it to any one you find.

Coronato. All right. Let us go.

Scavezzo. The Count will give me some drink money.

Count. Take care not to drink my wine, and don't put water to it. – [To Coronato.] Don't let him go alone.

Coronato. Never fear, never fear! I go too.

Scavezzo. [Aside.] No, no, don't fear; between the master and me we have prepared it by now.

[Exit.

Geltrude. [Who has paid, advances towards the Count. Susanna is seated, and works. Candida remains seated. They whisper together.] Here I am, Count, and what is it you wish?

Count. In a few words, will you give me your niece?

Geltrude. Give? What do you mean by give?

Count. What? don't you understand? In marriage.

Geltrude. To you?

Count. Not to me, but to a person I know and propose.

Geltrude. I will tell you, Count: you know my niece has lost her parents, and, being the daughter of my only brother, I have undertaken to fill for her a mother's place.

Count. All these, excuse me, are useless discourses.

Geltrude. Excuse me. Let me come to my point.

Count. Well, what then?

Geltrude. Candida has not inherited enough from her father to suffice to marry her in her own rank.

Count. It does not matter; it is no question of that here.

Geltrude. Let me finish. My husband left me an ample provision.

Count. I know.

Geltrude. I have no children.

Count. And you will give her a dowry?

Geltrude. Yes, when the match shall meet her favour.

Count. Oh yes, that is the needful point. But I am proposing this match, and when I propose, it must meet her favour.

Geltrude. I am certain that the Count is incapable of proposing other than an acceptable person, but I hope he will do me the honour to tell me who this person is.

Count. A colleague of mine.

Geltrude. What! a colleague! What does that mean?

Count. A nobleman, like yourself.

Geltrude. Signore —

Count. Do not raise objections.

Geltrude. Pray let me speak. If you will not let me, I shall go.

Count. Come, come, be gracious! Speak, I listen. I am amiable, complaisant with ladies. I listen to you.

Geltrude. I will tell you what I feel in a few words. A title makes the honour of a house, but not of a person. I do not think my niece is ambitious, nor am I inclined to sacrifice her to the idol of vanity.

Count. [Laughing.] Ah, one sees that you read fables.

Geltrude. Such feelings are not learnt from fables nor novels. Nature inspires them and education cultivates them.

Count. Nature, education, all you will. He whom I propose is the Baron del Cedro.

Geltrude. The Baron is in love with my niece?

Count. Oui, Madame.

Geltrude. I know him and respect him.

Count. You see what a good match I propose to you.

Geltrude. He is a gentleman of merit.

Count. And my colleague.

Geltrude. He is perhaps a trifle free of speech, but without harm.

Count. Well, now, your answer, I beg?

Geltrude. Adagio, adagio, Count. Such matters are not decided all in a moment. I should like the Baron to have the goodness to speak to me.

Count. Excuse me, if I say a thing, there can be no doubt about it. I woo on his behalf, and he has begged my intercession, implored me – And I speak to you, beg you – that is to say, I do not beg you, I demand of you —

Geltrude. Let us admit that the Baron is in earnest.

Count. By Jupiter, what is this we are to admit? the thing is certain when I say so.

Geltrude. Admitted, then, that the thing is certain. The Baron desires her, you demand her. It is always needful I should ask Candida if she assents.

Count. She cannot know about it unless you tell her.

Geltrude. [Ironically.] Have the goodness to believe that I shall tell her.

Count. Here she comes. Speak to her about it.

Geltrude. I will speak to her.

Count. Go, then, and I will wait you here.

Geltrude. [Bowing.] Excuse me. – [Aside.] If the Baron is in earnest, it would indeed be a piece of good luck for my niece, but I doubt. [Goes towards Susanna.]

Count. Ha, ha! with my good manners I attain from people all I want. [Takes a book from his pocket, seats himself, and reads.]

Geltrude. Candida, I have to speak to you. Let us take a turn.

Susanna. Will you go into my little garden? You will be quite free there.

Geltrude. Yes, let us go there, because I must come back here at once.

Candida. [Aside.] What can she want to tell me? I am too miserable to expect any good news. [Both into the shop.]

Count. She is capable of keeping me waiting here for an hour. It is well that I have this book to entertain me. What a beautiful thing is literature! A man with a good book to hand is never alone. [Reads.]

Scene VI

Count. Nina comes out of her house

Nina. Well, one good thing, the dinner is ready, so when that fellow Moracchio comes he can't scold me. No one is looking. I had better go now and take the fan to Signorina Candida. If I can give it her without her aunt seeing, I will; if not, I'll wait another chance.

Count. Why, Nina, Nina. Ho, here, my girl! [Goes towards the villa.]

Nina. Signore. [Turns to look at him.]

Count. A word.

Nina. [Aside.] I did not need this impediment.

Count. [Aside.] I must not neglect Coronato. I have promised him my protection, and he merits it. [Gets up and puts aside his book.]

Nina. Here I am. What would you, sir?

Count. Where were you going?

Nina. To do my own business, sir.

Count. What! You reply like that to me, with such audacity, such impertinence?

Nina. How would you have me speak? I speak as I know how; I am not used to converse. I speak like that with every one, and no one has told me I am impertinent.

Count. You must distinguish the people with whom you speak.

Nina. I don't know how to distinguish. If you want something, say it! If you want to amuse yourself, I have no time to lose with your worship.

Count. Come hither.

Nina. I am here.

Count. Would you like to marry?

Nina. Yes, sir.

Count. That is well; you please me now.

Nina. Oh, what I have in my heart, I have in my mouth.

Count. Would you like me to find you a husband?

Nina. No, sir.

Count. How no?

Nina. How no? Because it's no, because to marry I have no need of you.

Count. Do you not need my protection?

Nina. No, indeed, not a bit of it.

Count. Do you understand all I can do in this village?

Nina. You may be able to do all in the village, but you can do nothing in my marriage.

Count. I can do nothing?

Nina. [Smiling gently.] Nothing, in truth, nothing, nothing.

Count. You are in love with Crispino.

Nina. He is to my taste.

Count. And you prefer him to that worthy man, to that rich man, that admirable man, Coronato?

Nina. I would prefer him to others far better than Coronato.

Count. You would prefer him to any other?

Nina. [Laughing, and making him understand that she refers to him.] Oh, and if you knew to whom, for instance!

Count. And to whom would you prefer him, then?

Nina. To what end? Do not make me chatter.

Count. No, because you would be capable of saying some impertinence.

Nina. Do you want anything else of me?

Count. Simply this: I protect your brother, your brother has given his word for you to Coronato, and you must marry Coronato.

Nina. [With affectation.] Your worship protects my brother?

Count. Just so.

Nina. And my brother has given his word to Coronato?

Count. Just so.

Nina. Well, if things be so —

Count. Well?

Nina. Let my brother marry the host.

Count. I swear that you shall never marry Crispino.

Nina. No? And why?

Count. I shall send him away from this village.

Nina. I shall go and seek for him wherever he is.

Count. I shall have him beaten.

Nina. Oh, as for that, he will think about it.

Count. What would you do if he were dead?

Nina. I do not know.

Count. Would you take another?

Nina. It might be.

Count. Imagine that he is dead.

Nina. Sir, I can neither read, nor write, nor reckon.

Count. Saucy girl!

Nina. Do you want anything else?

Count. Go to the devil!

Nina. Show me the road!

Count. I swear, were you not a woman —

Nina. What would you do?

Count. Go hence, I say!

Nina. I obey at once, for I am well bred.

Count. Well bred? and goes off and does not salute!

Nina. Oh, pardon me. I am till death your worship's obedient servant. [Laughs and runs towards the villa.]

Count. [With scorn.] Rustica progenies nescit habere modum. I do not know what to do. If she does not want Coronato, I can't force her. It is not my fault. What on earth does he want a wife for, who does not want him? Are women scarce? I will find him one better than this. He shall see what my protection is worth.

Scene VII

The above, and Geltrude and Candida outside the shop

Count. Well, Signora Geltrude?

Geltrude. Count, my niece is a prudent girl.

Count. Well, then, briefly?

Geltrude. Count, permit me.

Count. Pardon me, but if you knew what I have endured with a woman – it is true, another woman – [Aside.] But all women are alike. – Well, then, what does niece Candida say?

Geltrude. If the Baron really —

Count. Really! out upon your suspicions!

Geltrude. Admitting the condition and the circumstances, my niece is content to marry the Baron.

Count. Bravo! [Aside.] This time at least I have had a success.

Candida. [Aside.] All to revenge myself on that false Evarist!

Geltrude. [Aside.] I certainly did not think she would consent. I fancied another affection held her, but I see I erred.

Scene VIII

Nina on the terrace. The above

Nina. She is not here, and I can find her nowhere. Oh, there she is!

Count. Consequently the Signorina Candida marries the Baron del Cedro.

Nina. [Aside.] What do I hear? What will she answer?

Geltrude. She will do it as soon as the conditions —

Count. [To Candida.] What conditions do you put?

Candida. None, sir; I marry him in any case.

Count. Excellent Signorina Candida! I like you thus. [Aside.] Ah, when I have to do with matters, all goes swimmingly.

Nina. [Aside.] But this is a terrible business! Poor Signor Evarist! It is useless for me to give the fan to Signorina Candida.

[Exit.

Geltrude. [Aside.] I deceived myself. She loves the Baron, and I thought her attracted to Signor Evarist.

Count. If you will allow me, I will go and give this good news to the Baron, to my dear friend, my dear colleague.

Geltrude. And where is the Baron?

Count. He expects me at the apothecary's. Do as I beg. Go to the house, and I will conduct him to you at once.

Geltrude. What do you say, niece?

Candida. Yes, he can speak with you.

Count. And with you?

Candida. I will do whatever my aunt wishes. – [Aside.] I shall die, but I shall die avenged.

Count. I go at once. Expect us, we will come to you. As the hour is so advanced, it would not be amiss if you invited him to dinner.

Geltrude. What! the first time!

Count. Oh, these are exaggerated considerations. He will gladly accept, I answer for him, and to induce him, I will stay too.

[Exit.

Geltrude. Let us go, then, and await them.

Candida. Yes, let us go.

Geltrude. What is the matter with you? Do you do it willingly?

Candida. Yes, willingly. – [Aside.] I have given my word, it is irremediable.

Geltrude. [Aside.] Poor child, I pity her. In these cases, notwithstanding one's love, one feels confused. [Goes towards the villa.]

Scene IX

Nina on the terrace, and the above

Nina. Oh, Signorina Candida!

Candida. [Angrily.] What are you doing here?

Nina. I came to look for you.

Candida. Go away, and do not presume to set foot in our house again!

Nina. What! this affront to me?

Candida. What affront? You are an unworthy creature, and I cannot and will not tolerate you longer. [Enters the villa.]

Geltrude. [Aside.] This is a little too severe.

Nina. I am amazed, Signora Geltrude.

Geltrude. I am indeed sorry for the mortification you have had, but my niece is a person of good judgment, and if she has treated you ill, she must have her reasons.

Nina. What reasons can she have? I am astonished at her.

Geltrude. Come, come, do not forget your respect; do not raise your voice.

Nina. I will go and seek justification.

Geltrude. No, no, stay here. It is no good now, do it after.

Nina. And I tell you, I will go now!

Geltrude. Do not presume to pass this door. [Places herself on the threshold.]

Scene X

The above. Count and Baron going from the apothecary's to the villa

Count. Come, come, let us go.

Baron. I must go.

Geltrude. [To Nina.] Impudent lass! [Goes in and throws to the door at the moment that the Count and Baron are about to enter. She does not see them.]

[Nina goes away angered. Count remainsspeechless, looking at the closed door.]

Baron. What, they shut the door in our faces!

Count. In our faces? No, it is impossible!

Baron. Impossible, you say! But it is a fact.

Nina. This insult to me! [Walks up and down trembling.]

Count. Let us go and knock.

Nina. [Aside.] If they go in, I will get in too.

Baron. No, stay; I want to know no more. I do not wish to expose myself to fresh insults. You have served me but ill. They have laughed at you, and made fun of me on your account.

Count. [Hotly.] What way of speaking is this?

Baron. And I demand satisfaction!

Count. From whom?

Baron. From you.

Count. In what manner?

Baron. Sword in hand!

Count. With the sword! But it's twenty years that I am in this village, and that I no longer use a sword.

Baron. With pistols, then. [Draws two pistols from his pocket.]

Nina. [Running towards the house.] Pistols! hi, folks, here! pistols! They are murdering each other.

Scene XI

The above. Geltrude on the terrace

Geltrude. But, gentlemen, what is this?

Count. Why did you bolt the door in our faces?

Geltrude. I? Excuse me, I am incapable of such a vile action with whomsoever it should be; how little, then, with you and the Baron, who deigns to condescend to my niece!

Count. [To the Baron.] You hear!

Baron. But, Madame, at the very moment we wanted to come to you, the door was closed in our faces.

Geltrude. I assure you I did not see you. I closed the door to hinder that saucy girl Nina from entering.

Nina. [Puts her head, out of her own door.] What? saucy! saucy yourself!

Count. Quiet the impudent lass!

Geltrude. Will you enter, pray? I will give orders that the door be opened.

Count. [To the Baron.] You hear?

Baron. I have nothing more to say.

Count. What will you do with these pistols?

Baron. Excuse my acute sense of honour. [Puts away the pistols.]

Count. And you mean to present yourself to two ladies with two pistols in your pocket?

Baron. I always carry them in the country for self-defence.

Count. But if they knew you had these pistols, – you know what women are, – they would not come near you.

Baron. You are right. Thank you for warning me, and, as a sign of good friendship, allow me to present you with them. [Draws one from his pocket and presents it.]

Count. [Nervously.] A present to me?

Baron. Yes; surely you will not refuse it?

Count. I accept it because it comes from your hands. But they are not loaded?

Baron. What a question! Do you expect me to carry empty pistols?

Count. Wait! Ho there, café!

Limonato. [From out his shop.] What would you, sir?

Count. Take these pistols and keep them till I ask you for them.

Limonato. At your service. [Takes the pistols from the Baron.]

Count. Take care, they are loaded!

Limonato. [Laughing.] Oh, I know how to manage them.

Count. Take care, no follies!

Limonato. [Aside.] The Count is courageous, truly.

Count. I thank you, and shall value them. – [Aside.] To-morrow I will sell them.

Tognino. [From the villa.] Gentlemen, my mistress expects you.

Count. Let us go.

Baron. Yes, let us go.

Count. Well, what do you say? Am I a man of my word? Ah, dear colleague, we noblemen – our protection is worth something.

[Nina comes out of her house softly, and goesbehind them to enter. Tognino has let theCount and Baron pass, and remains on thethreshold. Nina wants to enter.Tognino stops her.]

Tognino. You have nothing to do here.

Nina. Yes, but I have.

Tognino. My orders are not to let you pass. [Goes in and shuts the door.]

Nina. I am furious! – I feel choking with rage! This insult to me – to a girl of my kind! [Stamps with rage.]

Scene XII

Evarist from the street, his gun, on his shoulder, and Moracchio with a gun in his hand and bag with game, and the dogs tied by a cord. The above.

Evarist. Here, take my gun, and keep those partridges till I dispose of them. [Seats himself before the café.]

Moracchio. Never fear, I will take care of them. – [To Nina.] Is dinner ready?

Nina. Quite ready.

Moracchio. What on earth is the matter? You are always angry with all the world, and then complain of me.

Nina. Oh, it's true, we are relations, there is no gainsaying it.

Moracchio. Come, let us go in and dine. It is time.

Nina. Yes, yes, go. I will come after. – [Aside.] I want to speak to Signor Evarist.

Moracchio. Yes, come; if not, I shall eat all. [Goes into the house.]

Nina. If I ate now, I should eat poison.

Evarist. [Aside.] No one on the terrace! Doubtless they are at dinner. It is better I go to the inn, the Baron expects me. [Rises.] Well, Nina, nothing new to tell me?

Nina. Oh yes, sir, I have something to tell you.

Evarist. Have you given my fan?

Nina. Here it is, your accursed fan!

Evarist. What does this mean? Could you not give it?

Nina. I have received a thousand insults, a thousand impertinences, and have been chased from the house like a good-for-nothing.

Evarist. Then Signora Geltrude noticed it?

Nina. Oh, not only Signora Geltrude. The greatest insults came from Signorina Candida.

Evarist. But why? What did you do to her?

Nina. I did nothing to her, sir.

Evarist. You told her you had a fan for her?

Nina. How could I tell her when she never gave me time, but sent me off like a thief?

Evarist. But there must be some reason.

Nina. For my part, I know I have done nothing to her. But all this ill-treatment, I am sure, I am certain, has been done to me because of you.

Evarist. Because of me? The Signorina Candida, who loves me so much!

Nina. Does the Signorina Candida love you so much?

Evarist. There is no doubt about it. I am sure of it.

Nina. Oh yes, I too can assure you that she loves you much, much, much.

Evarist. You put me into a terrible agitation.

Nina. [Ironically.] Go, go and seek your lady-love, your dear one.

Evarist. And why should I not go?

Nina. Because the place is taken!

Evarist. [Anxiously.] By whom?

Nina. By Baron del Cedro.

Evarist. The Baron is in the house?

Nina. Why should he not be in the house, seeing he is to marry the Signorina Candida?

Evarist. Nina, you dream – you are raving! you do nothing but talk absurdities!

Nina. You don't believe me? Well, go and see, and you will know if I speak the truth.

Evarist. In Signora Geltrude's house?

Nina. And in Signorina Candida's.

Evarist. The Baron!

Nina. Del Cedro.

Evarist. Marries Signorina Candida!

Nina. I have seen it with these eyes, and heard it with these ears.

Evarist. It cannot be! It is impossible! You talk nonsense.

Nina. Go, see for yourself. Listen, and you will soon learn if I talk nonsense.

Evarist. I will see at once! [Runs to the villa and knocks.]

Nina. Poor fool, he trusts in the love of a city girl. The city girls are not as we are.

[Evarist goes on knocking. Tognino opens andlooks out of the door.]

Evarist. Well, what is it?

Tognino. Excuse me, I can let no one pass.

Evarist. Have you told them it is I?

Tognino. I have.

Evarist. To Signorina Candida?

Tognino. To Signorina Candida.

Evarist. And Signora Geltrude does not wish that I should come in?

Tognino. Yes, Signora Geltrude had said you might pass, but Signorina Candida did not wish it.

Evarist. Did not wish it? I swear to Heaven I will come in! [Tries to push aside Tognino, who bolts the door.]

Nina. Well, and what did I tell you?

Evarist. I am beside myself! I do not know in what world I am. To shut the door in my face!

Nina. Oh, do not be amazed! They treated me in the same beautiful way.

Evarist. How is it possible Candida could thus deceive me?

Nina. What is a fact cannot be doubted.

Evarist. I still do not believe it – I cannot believe it – I will never believe it!

Nina. You do not believe it?

Evarist. No; there must be some mistake, some mystery. I know Candida's heart. She is incapable of this!

Nina. All right. Console yourself that way, and enjoy your consolation. Much good may it do you!

Evarist. I absolutely must speak to Candida.

Nina. But since she won't receive you?

Evarist. It does not matter. There must be some other reason! I will go into the café. It will be enough for me to see her, to hear a word from her. A sign alone from her will suffice to assure me of life or to give me my death-blow.

Nina. Well, take it.