ACT III.
Scene I.
Crispino comes out of his shop, with bread, cheese, anda bottle of wine, seats himself on the bench, andbreakfasts. Tognino comes out of Geltrude's villawith a broom, and crosses to the pharmacy. Coronatoand Scavezzo come out of the inn; the lattercarries a barrel on his shoulders; the former passesCrispino, looks at him and laughs. Then both gooff. Crispino looks after him and clenches his fist.Tognino, issuing from the pharmacy, sweeps thesquare. Timoteo with glasses and bottles hurriesacross to the villa. Crispino has emptied his wine-bottle,and goes into the inn. Susanna comes outof her shop, seats herself to do some needlework.Tognino off into the villa. Crispino comes back,his bottle refilled. He draws the fan from hispocket, looks at it smiling, and seats himself again.Nina also seats herself outside her door to spin.Crispino hides the fan under his leather apron, andgoes on eating. Coronato comes back, passes Crispino,and smiles. Crispino smiles also. Coronato,arrived at his own door, turns round once moreto look at Crispino and smile, then enters. Crispinolaughs too, takes up the fan, looks at it withpleasure, and then hides it again. | |
| Count and Baron coming out of Gertrude's villa. | |
| Count. No excuse! my friend, that should not vex you. | |
| Baron. I assure you it can't please me either. | |
| Count. If Signorina Candida felt ill, that was anaccident; you must excuse. You know women aresubject to vapours and nervous attacks. | |
| Baron. But when we went in she was not ill, andscarcely did she see me than she retired to her room. | |
| Count. Because she felt it coming on. | |
| Baron. And then, did you notice Signora Geltrudewhen she came out of her niece's room, with whatattention, what interest she read some papers thatseemed letters. | |
| Count. She is a woman who has much business onher hands, and a large correspondence. Doubtless theywere letters just arrived. | |
| Baron. No; they were old papers. I bet anythingthey were something she had found either on the tableor on the person of Signorina Candida. | |
| Count. Dear friend, your suspicions are strange!Your imagination runs away with you! | |
| Baron. I imagine that which doubtless is the case.I suspect that an understanding exists between SignorinaCandida and Evarist. | |
| Count. Impossible! Were it so, I should know it.I know everything! There is nothing done in thevillage that I do not know! And further, were it asyou think, do you suppose Signorina Candida wouldever have accepted your proposal? How can yousuppose she would thus compromise the mediation ofa nobleman of my standing? | |
| Baron. Oh, for that a good reason can be found.She was forced to say "Yes;" but Signora Geltrudewas not as amiable to me after reading those letters;indeed, she seemed to me to show pleasure that weshould go. | |
| Count. Well, I think that all we have to complain ofagainst Signora Geltrude is, that she did not ask us tostay to dinner with her. | |
| Baron. To that I am indifferent. | |
| Count. I gave her some hints, but she pretended notto understand. | |
| Baron. I assure you she was most anxious we shouldleave. | |
| Count. I am sorry for you. Where will you dineto-day? | |
| Baron. I told the host to prepare dinner for two. | |
| Count. For two? | |
| Baron. I expect Evarist, who has gone shooting. | |
| Count. If you will come and dine with me— | |
| Baron. With you? | |
| Count. But my dinner is half a mile from here. | |
| Baron. Thank you, but the dinner is already ordered.Hi there, Coronato! | |
| Scene II. | |
| Coronato from out the inn. The above. | |
| Coronato. You called me? | |
| Baron. Has Signor Evarist returned? | |
| Coronato. I have not seen him yet, sir. I am sorry,because the dinner is ready, and the food will get spoilt. | |
| Count. Evarist is capable of amusing himself shootingtill evening, and making you lose your dinner. | |
| Baron. What can I do? I promised to wait for him. | |
| Count. Well, it's all very well to wait for him up toa certain point. But, my dear friend, it does not seemto me you should wait long for a person who is yoursocial inferior. I admit the demands of politeness, ofhumanity; but, my dear colleague, let us also preserveour aristocratic decorum. | |
| Baron. I feel half inclined to ask you to come andtake Evarist's place. | |
| Count. If you do not wish to wait for him, or if youdislike eating alone, come to my house and take pot-luck. | |
| Baron. No, no, my dear Count. Do me the pleasureof dining with me. Let us go to table, and if Evaristis not punctual, that is his loss. | |
| Count. [Content.] It will teach him politeness. | |
| Baron. [To Coronato.] Tell them to serve. | |
| Coronato. Yes, sir. [Aside.] H'm, h'm! there'll belittle left for the kitchen now. | |
| Baron. I will go and see that they have prepared forour dinner. [Enters.] | |
| Count. [To Coronato.] Have you taken the secondbarrel of wine? | |
| Coronato. Yes, sir, I sent it to your house. | |
| Count. You sent it! without going with it? I fearmischief. | |
| Coronato. I will tell you. I accompanied the manuntil the turn of the road, where we met your servant. | |
| Count. My steward? | |
| Coronato. No, sir. | |
| Count. My footman? | |
| Coronato. No, sir. | |
| Count. My lackey? | |
| Coronato. No, sir. | |
| Count. Who then? | |
| Coronato. That man who lives with you, and sellsyour fruit, salad, vegetables. | |
| Count. What! that man? | |
| Coronato. Just so. I met him, showed him the barrel,and he accompanied my servant. | |
| Count. [Aside.] The devil! that fellow, who never seeswine, is capable of drinking up half the barrel. [Goestowards the door.] | |
| Coronato. Excuse me. | |
| Count. What is it? | |
| Coronato. Have you spoken for me to Nina? | |
| Count. [Embarrassed.] All right, all right! | |
| Coronato. All right? | |
| Count. [Advancing towards the door.] We will speakabout it after. | |
| Coronato. But tell me one thing. | |
| Count. Come, come, let me go in, so as not to keep theBaron waiting. | |
| Coronato. [Aside.] I have good hopes. He is a man,if he takes up a cause, to succeed with it—sometimes.—[In loving yet harsh tones.] Nina! Nina! | |
| [Nina spins on and does not reply.] | |
| Coronato. Allow me at least to salute you. | |
| Nina. [Without looking up.] You would do better togive me back my fan. | |
| Coronato. Indeed!—[Aside.] Oh, by the bye, I leftthat fan in the cellar!—Yes, yes, let us speak of thatfan.—[Aside.] I hope no one has carried it off. [Goesinto the house.] | |
| [Crispino laughs aloud.] | |
| Susanna. You seem to have a light heart, Crispino,you laugh so merrily. | |
| Crispino. I laugh because I have my reasons forlaughing. | |
| Nina. [To Crispino.] You laugh, and I feel gnawedwith anger. | |
| Crispino. Anger? And what are you angry about? | |
| Nina. That that fan should be in Coronato's hands. | |
| Crispino. [Laughing.] Yes, it is in Coronato's hands. | |
| Nina. Then why do you laugh? | |
| Crispino. I laugh because it is in Coronato's hands.[Gets up and carries the remains of his meal into hisworkshop.] | |
| Nina. What silly laughter! | |
| Susanna. I never thought my fan would pass throughso many hands. | |
| Nina. [Looking at her with amazement.] Your fan? | |
| Susanna. Oh, I say my fan because it came from myshop. | |
| Nina. I suppose you were paid for it? | |
| Susanna. Of course, else I should not have given it. | |
| Nina. And it will also have been paid double itsworth? | |
| Susanna. Not so; and even were it so, what doesit matter to you? For what it cost you, you canaccept it. | |
| Nina. How do you know what it costs me? | |
| Susanna. [Sarcastically and pointedly.] Oh, I don'tknow what it cost you, nor whether he who gave it youhas great obligations towards you. | |
| Nina. What obligations? What do you mean byobligations? Do I meddle in your affairs? | |
| Susanna. There, there, don't excite yourself! Youdon't intimidate me with your fury! | |
| Crispino. [From out the shop.] What's the matter?Incessant bickerings, incessant high words. | |
| Susanna. She makes side hits and expects one to keepsilent. | |
| Crispino. Are you angry, Nina? | |
| Nina. I angry? I am never angry! | |
| Susanna. Oh, she loves peace, and never excites herself! | |
| Nina. Never, except when I am teased, if I have tohear impertinences, if I am trampled under foot. | |
| [Susanna mutters to herself.] | |
| Crispino. Is it I who ill-treat you, tease you, trampleyou under foot? | |
| Nina. [Spinning sulkily.] I am not speaking of you. | |
| Susanna. No, she does not refer to you, she refers to me. | |
| Crispino. One might really say it is an art to live forfive minutes in peace on this square. | |
| Nina. When evil tongues are abroad. | |
| Crispino. Quiet! it is shameful. | |
| Susanna. One is to be insulted, and then not speak. | |
| Nina. I speak reasonably. | |
| Susanna. Better I should be silent. | |
| Nina. Certainly it is better to be silent than sayfoolish things. | |
| Crispino. You will always have the last word. | |
| Nina. Yes; and were I in my grave— | |
| [Timoteo from out the villa with cups andbottles.] | |
| Nina. He who wants me, takes me as I am, and whodoes not want me, leaves me alone! | |
| Crispino. Do be quiet at last! | |
| Timoteo. [Aside.] I won't go again into that house.Is it my fault that these waters don't help? I can onlygive what I have. They expect to find all the refinementsof town in a village. And then what are spirits,cordials, essences? So many quack remedies. Thecorner-stones of an apothecary are, water, quinine,mercury. [Goes into his shop.] | |
| Crispino. Some one must be ill at the villa. | |
| Nina. [With contempt.] Yes, that dear jewel of aSignorina Candida! | |
| Susanna. Poor Signorina Candida! | |
| Crispino. What is the matter with her? | |
| Susanna. [Pointedly.] Nina should know somethingabout it. | |
| Nina. I? What have I to do with it? | |
| Susanna. Because she is ill on your account. | |
| Nina. On my account! [Springs to her feet.] | |
| Susanna. Oh, one cannot speak quietly with you. | |
| Crispino. I should like to know what all this means.[Gets up from his work.] | |
| Nina. [To Susanna.] You are only able to say sillythings! | |
| Susanna. There, there, don't excite yourself. | |
| Crispino. [To Nina.] Let her speak. | |
| Nina. Well, speak, then. | |
| Susanna. I won't say anything more to you! | |
| Nina. If you have any sense of honour, speak. | |
| Susanna. If matters are thus, well, I will. | |
| Crispino. Quiet there! Signora Geltrude is approaching.No scenes before her. | |
| Nina. She shall give me an explanation! | |
| Scene III. | |
| Geltrude from the villa. The above. | |
| Geltrude. [Gravely.] Is your brother returned? | |
| Nina. [Ungraciously, and turning away.] Yes, he is. | |
| Geltrude. [As above.] Has Signor Evarist returnedalso? | |
| Nina. [As above.] Yes, he has. | |
| Geltrude. Do you know where he is? | |
| Nina. [With annoyance.] I know nothing! Goodday. [Enters the house.] | |
| Geltrude. What manners!—Crispino! | |
| Crispino. [Rises.] Madame? | |
| Geltrude. Do you know where to find Signor Evarist? | |
| Crispino. No, Madame, in truth I do not. | |
| Geltrude. Do me the favour to go and see if he is inthe inn. | |
| Crispino. Certainly. [Goes towards the inn.] | |
| Susanna. [Softly.] Signora Geltrude! | |
| Geltrude. What would you? | |
| Susanna. One word. | |
| Geltrude. Do you know nothing about SignorEvarist? | |
| Susanna. Ah, Madame, I know many things. I havemany things to tell you. | |
| Geltrude. Alas! I too have much to disquiet me; Ihave seen letters that surprise me! Speak, enlightenme if you can. | |
| Susanna. But here, in public! Shall I not come toyour house? | |
| Geltrude. I first want to see Signor Evarist. | |
| Susanna. Will you then step into my shop? | |
| Geltrude. Yes, rather let us do that. But first let usawait Signor Evarist. | |
| Susanna. There he is! | |
| Crispino. [From the inn.] He is not there. Theyexpected him to dinner, and he has not come. | |
| Geltrude. Yet he must have come back from shooting. | |
| Crispino. Oh yes, he came back; I saw him. | |
| Geltrude. Where can he be? | |
| Susanna. He is not at the café either. | |
| Crispino. Nor at the apothecary's. | |
| Geltrude. Let us search a little. The village is notso large. Look about, we must discover him. | |
| Crispino. I will set off at once! | |
| Geltrude. If you find him, tell him I want much tospeak to him, and that I wait for him in Susanna's shop. | |
| [Crispino goes.] | |
| Geltrude. [Enters Susanna's shop.] Now I am readyand anxious to hear you. | |
| Susanna. Well, well, you will hear nice things. | |
| Crispino. There is something wrong about this SignorEvarist. And then this fan—I am glad I have gotit. Coronato noticed it was gone, I suppose. He isscarcely likely to suspect me. No one will have toldhim that I went to buy some wine. I went just intime. I found the fan a-top of the barrel. Sillyfellow! And while his man filled my flask, I pocketedthe fan! I shall take pretty good care not to confessthat I took it. He is capable of calling me a thief.But where am I to look for this gentleman? Not atthe Count's, for he is dining in there. In the village?I am sorry I am not enlightened as to Susanna's meaning.But I will get to the bottom of it. And if I findNina guilty—Well, and what shall I do then? Casther off? I don't know. I love her too much. Whatcan it all be? | |
| Scene IV. | |
| Crispino and Limonato from the café. Then Coronato. | |
| Crispino. Do you know where Signor Evarist is? | |
| Limonato. I! why should I? I am not his servant. | |
| Crispino. Don't excite yourself thus. Might he nothappen to be at your place? | |
| Limonato. Then you would see him. | |
| Crispino. Out upon you, you lemonade manufacturer! | |
| Limonato. What does this mean? | |
| Crispino. Wait till your shoes want cobbling again. | [Exit. |
| Limonato. The wretch! Shall I tell him SignorEvarist is in our garden? No, he is only just comforted,why disturb him again? Hi, host! | |
| Coronato. [At his door.] What would you? | |
| Limonato. Signor Evarist sends me. Tell the Baronhe is not to wait dinner for him; he is busy, and doesnot wish to be disturbed. | |
| Coronato. Tell him the notice comes too late. TheBaron has nearly done his dinner. | |
| Limonato. All right. [About to go.] | |
| Coronato. And if you hear that some one has found afan, let me know. | |
| Limonato. With pleasure. Have you lost one? | |
| Coronato. Yes; I don't know how. A rogue carriedit off, and my stupid cellarman can't tell me who cameto fetch wine. But if I discover him, then—Good-day. | [Exit. |
| Limonato. I will do my best. | [Exit. |
| Scene V. | |
| The Count at the window of the inn. The above. | |
| Count. I heard Limonato's voice. Hi, Limonato! | |
| Limonato. Sir? | |
| Count. Two cups of coffee! | |
| Limonato. Excuse me, for whom? | |
| Count. For me and the Baron. [Disappears.] | |
| Limonato. At once!—[Aside.] Now I know theBaron is inside and pays, he shall have the coffee. | |
| Nina. Hi, Limonato! | |
| Limonato. And what do you want? | |
| Nina. Is Signor Evarist still with you? | |
| Limonato. How with me? | |
| Nina. Yes, with you. | |
| Limonato. There is the café, if he were there, youwould see him. | |
| Nina. Bah! I mean in the garden. | |
| Limonato. Bah! I don't know anything. | [Exit. |
| Nina. Rude fellow! And people say I am irritable!How can I help it, when all tease, all maltreat me?—thoseladies, that creature over there, Coronato,Moracchio, Limonato, and Crispino. I can bear itno longer. | |
| Scene VI. | |
| Evarist running excitedly out of the café. The above. | |
| Evarist. [To Nina.] There she is, there she is! NowI am happy! | |
| Nina. What does this joy mean? | |
| Evarist. Oh, Nina, I am the happiest, the most contentedman in the world! | |
| Nina. I am glad to hear it. I hope, then, you willmake up to me for all I have had to endure on youraccount. | |
| Evarist. Anything you wish! Know, Nina, thatthey suspected that I loved you. Signorina Candidaknew I had given you the fan, thought I had boughtit for you, was jealous of me, was jealous of you! | |
| Nina. Was jealous of me? | |
| Evarist. Precisely; and to avenge herself, and indespair, she was about to marry another. She saw me,and fell down lifeless in a faint. Happily, a momentafter her aunt left the house, Candida went into thegarden. I climbed over the hedge, sprang over thewall, fell at her feet, wept, swore, implored, called allthe saints to witness, and convinced her. She is mine,is mine, and will be mine in all eternity! | |
| Nina. I congratulate you. I am glad to hear it, sir. | |
| Evarist. One only condition she makes in order to bequite convinced of my love. | |
| Nina. And that is?— | |
| Evarist. In order that I may justify myself and youalso, it is needful that you give her the fan. | |
| Nina. Oh dear, oh dear! | |
| Evarist. My honour and your own are at stake. Itwould seem otherwise as if I had really bought the fanfor you. She must be relieved of every suspicion. Iknow you are a sensible girl, therefore give me backthat fan. | |
| Nina. But, sir, I have it no longer. | |
| Evarist. Why tell this lie? I gave it you, and Iwould not ask it back did not my whole life's happinesshang on it. I will buy you another, far better andmore beautiful. But, for Heaven's sake, give me backthat fan, and quickly too! | |
| Nina. Oh, if I but had it! | |
| Evarist. Nina, I repeat, our honour is at stake. | |
| Nina. I swear I no longer have the fan! | |
| Evarist. Oh, heavens! And what did you do withit? | |
| Nina. Oh, they knew I had the fan, and forced meto give it up by violence. | |
| Evarist. Who? | |
| Nina. My brother. | |
| Evarist. [Goes towards the house and calls.] Moracchio! | |
| Nina. No, stop! He has not got it! | |
| Evarist. Who, then? | |
| Nina. He gave it to Crispino. | |
| Evarist. [Runs towards the workshop.] Crispino! | |
| Nina. Stop and listen, I say! | |
| Evarist. I am beside myself. | |
| Nina. Crispino no longer has it either. | |
| Evarist. Heaven and hell, who has it then? Quick! | |
| Nina. That rogue of a Coronato. | |
| Evarist. Coronato! hi, host, Coronato! | |
| Coronato. Yes, sir? | |
| Evarist. Give here that fan. | |
| Coronato. What fan? | |
| Nina. That which you stole. | |
| Evarist. Out with it! Quick! | |
| Coronato. Sir, I am sincerely sorry, but— | |
| Evarist. How so? What is this? | |
| Coronato. I can no longer find it. | |
| Evarist. Not find it! | |
| Coronato. I stupidly forgot it in the cellar, and wentaway. When I came back, it had vanished. Some onemust have stolen it. | |
| Evarist. Look for it! | |
| Coronato. I have searched the whole house, invain. | |
| Evarist. I will pay you whatever you like forit! | |
| Coronato. But if it is gone—I tell you it is gone. | |
| Evarist. I am in despair! | |
| Coronato. I am most sorry, but I can do nothing. | [Exit. |
| Evarist. It is all your fault! You are my misfortune! | |
| Nina. I? And how am I to blame in it all? | |
| Scene VII. | |
| Candida on the terrace. The above. | |
| Candida. [Calling him.] Signor Evarist! | |
| Evarist. There she is, there she is! Oh, I am indespair! | |
| Nina. What, what! the world is not come to an endbecause of this! | |
| Candida. [Calls more loudly.] Signor Evarist! | |
| Evarist. Oh, Candida, my dearest! I am the mostmiserable, the most wretched man in the world! | |
| Candida. What! you can't get the fan? | |
| Nina. [Aside.] She guesses it at once! | |
| Evarist. If you knew what a coil of complications,and all to my injury! It is too true, the fan is lost,and it is not possible to find it as yet. | |
| Candida. Oh, I know where it is! | |
| Evarist. Where? where? If you could give us somehint! | |
| Nina. [To Evarist.] Who knows? Some one mayhave found it. | |
| Candida. The fan will be in the hands of her towhom you gave it, and who will not give it up, andshe is right. | |
| Nina. [To Candida.] This is not true. | |
| Candida. Be silent! | |
| Evarist. I swear to you on my honour— | |
| Candida. It is enough! My decision is made! Iam astonished at you, to prefer a peasant girl to me. | [Exit. |
| Nina. Peasant girl! What does she mean? | |
| Evarist. I swear to Heaven, you are the cause of allmy miseries, which will be my death! She has decided!Well, I have decided too; I will await myrival here, and will challenge him. Either he or Imust fall! And all this is your fault, Nina! | |
| Nina. I go, or I shall lose my reason. [She turnsslowly towards her house.] | |
| Evarist. How passion consumes me! My heartthumps, my brain is in a whirl, my breath comesheavily. I can scarcely stand! Oh, who will helpme? [He staggers towards a chair.] | |
| Nina. [Turns round and sees him.] What is this?What do I see? He is dying! Help, help! Here,Moracchio! here, Limonato! | |
| Scene VIII. | |
| Limonato from the café with two cups on a tray. Moracchioruns from his house to succour Evarist. | |
| Crispino. [Comes out of the side street.] Oh, there isSignor Evarist. But what is the matter? | |
| Nina. Water, water! | |
| Crispino. Wine, wine! | |
| Limonato. Give him wine. I will just carry thesecups to the inn. | |
| Moracchio. Courage, courage, sir! He is in love;that is his malady. | |
| Timoteo. [Comes out of his shop.] What is thematter? | |
| Moracchio. Come here, Timoteo. | |
| Nina. Yes, do you help. | |
| Timoteo. What is the matter? | |
| Nina. He has fainted. | |
| Timoteo. There I can help. | |
| Nina. The poor gentleman, he is in love. | |
| Crispino. [With a bottle of wine.] Here, here! thatwill restore him to life—five-year-old wine. | |
| Nina. He is reviving! | |
| Crispino. Oh, this wine would make the dead rise! | |
| Moracchio. Courage, courage, sir, I say! | |
| Timoteo. [With bottles, glasses, and a razor.] Here I am.Quick, undress him! | |
| Moracchio. What is the razor for? | |
| Timoteo. In case of need, it is better than a lancet. | |
| Crispino. A razor? | |
| Nina. What? | |
| Evarist. [Gets up.] Oh ho! who wants to cut mythroat with a razor? | |
| Nina. The apothecary. | |
| Timoteo. Excuse me; I am an honest man, and noassassin. When one has the best intentions, it is notright to make one appear ridiculous. See whether Iwill come another time. | [Exit. |
| Moracchio. Won't you step into my house, sir, andrest on my bed? | |
| Evarist. Wherever you like. | |
| Moracchio. Take my arm and lean on me. | |
| Evarist. Oh, how much rather I would that mymiserable life were ended! [Walks off, leaning onMoracchio.] | |
| Nina. [Aside.] If he wanted to die, he could not havedone better than give himself up to the apothecary. | |
| Moracchio. Here we are at the door. Let us goin. | |
| Evarist. Useless kindness to him who only asks todie. [They enter.] | |
| Moracchio. Nina, get the bed ready for SignorEvarist. | |
| Crispino. [As she is going to enter, calls her.] Nina! | |
| Nina. What is it? | |
| Crispino. You are wonderfully compassionate for thisgentleman. | |
| Nina. I do my duty, because you and I are the causeof his illness. | |
| Crispino. Speak for yourself, there I can't answer.But I? What have I to do with him? | |
| Nina. Because of that accursed fan. [Goes in.] | |
| Crispino. Accursed fan, indeed! I have now heard itnamed millions of times! But I am glad to think Idid Coronato. He is my enemy, and will be so tillNina is my wife. But what now? I could bury thisfan in the ground; but if it be trodden on, it willbreak. What shall I do with it. [Pulls out the fan.] | |
| [Limonato crosses from his café to the inn.] | |
| Count. [From out the inn.] The dinner was excellent!For once I have eaten my fill. | |
| Crispino. [Aside.] Ho, ho, the Count. Shall I—Yes,that will be the best way. [Advances towards him, fanin hand.] | |
| Count. What is that you have in your hand? | |
| Crispino. A fan. I found it on the ground. | |
| Count. [Takes it.] A lady must have lost it in passingby. What will you do with it? | |
| Crispino. I really don't know. | |
| Count. Do you want to sell it? | |
| Crispino. Sell it? I should not know what to askfor it. What may it be worth? | |
| Count. I don't know, for I don't understand suchthings. There are figures painted on it; but a fanfound in the country can't be worth much. | |
| Crispino. I wish it were worth very much. | |
| Count. In order to sell it well? | |
| Crispino. No, certainly not; but only in order to offerit to your honour. | |
| Count. To me! You want to give it to me? | |
| Crispino. But as it seems of no value— | |
| Count. Oh no; it is not bad, and seems quite decent.Thank you, my friend. Whenever I can be of use toyou, count on my protection.—[Aside.] I shall give itaway. | |
| Crispino. But one thing I beg of you. | |
| Count. [Aside.] Didn't I think so! This class ofpeople gives nothing for nothing!—Well, what is it?Speak. | |
| Crispino. I beg you to tell no one that I gave it toyou. | |
| Count. Is that all? | |
| Crispino. All. | |
| Count. If it's nothing but that—[Aside.] He iscautious. But, my good friend, why should people notknow? Have you perchance stolen it? | |
| Crispino. Excuse me. I am not capable of that. | |
| Count. Then why should no one know it comes fromyou? If you have found it, and the owner does not turnup, I don't see why— | |
| Crispino. [Laughing.] And yet I have my reasons. | |
| Count. And they are?— | |
| Crispino. Well, I am in love. | |
| Count. I know it. With Nina. | |
| Crispino. And if Nina knew I had this fan, and didnot give it to her, she would be angry. | |
| Count. Just as well for her not to have it. This is nofan for a country girl. Do not fear; I shall not betrayyou. But that reminds me, how do matters stand withyou and Nina? Do you really mean to marry her? | |
| Crispino. I confess I desire her as my wife. | |
| Count. Well, then, you shall have her. This veryevening, if you like, we will celebrate the wedding. | |
| Crispino. Really, you are in earnest? | |
| Count. In earnest. Who am I? What is meant bymy protection? I am almighty! | |
| Crispino. But Coronato wants her also. | |
| Count. Coronato! Who is Coronato? A stupid fellow!Does she love you? | |
| Crispino. Yes, dearly. | |
| Count. Good, then: you are loved, Coronato is not.Depend on my protection. | |
| Crispino. Most certainly. But—her brother? | |
| Count. Brother! what brother? what of him? If thesister is satisfied, the brother has nothing to say.Depend entirely on my protection. | |
| Crispino. By Saint Crispin! | |
| Count. There now, go back to your work, that myshoes may get done at last. | |
| Crispino. As your Honour desires. | |
| [Count examines the fan.] | |
| Crispino. [Aside.] The devil a bit! I forgot thatSignora Geltrude sent me to look for Signor Evarist,and now I have found him and not told her. But hisillness—the fan—in short, I forgot! I will call him,but I don't like to go to Moracchio's house. I will goto the Signora Geltrude and tell her Signor Evarist isfound, and she is to have him called, only not by me.[Goes off towards the draper's shop.] | |
| Count. What can it cost? Not much. Were it morechoice, I would give it to Signorina Candida, who brokeher own. But why should I not? It is not half bad. | |
| Nina. [At the window.] Where is Crispino? Notthere! | |
| Count. The figures are badly painted, but it seems tome they are well drawn. | |
| Nina. Oh, what do I see! The fan is in the Count'shands! Quick, quick, to wake Signor Evarist! | |
| Count. And who refuses a gift? She shall have it. | |
| Scene IX. | |
| Count. Baron from the inn. Then Tognino. | |
| Baron. What! you abandon me? | |
| Count. I saw you were not inclined to talk. | |
| Baron. Yes, it is true. I can't resign myself. Tellme, do you think we might go now and try to see thoseladies once more. | |
| Count. Why not? I have a happy thought! ShallI make you a present,—a present that will make youcut a good figure in Signorina Candida's eyes? | |
| Baron. What is this present? | |
| Count. You know she broke her fan this morning. | |
| Baron. Yes, I heard of it. | |
| Count. Here is a fan. Let us go and find her and giveher this one from you. [Gives it to the Baron.] Look,it is not ugly. | |
| Baron. You want me then to— | |
| Count. Yes, you give it. I do not want to have anymerit in the matter. I leave all the honour to you. | |
| Baron. I gladly accept this excuse, but you will atleast let me know what it cost? | |
| Count. Oh, a trifle. | |
| Baron. Nevertheless, kindly tell me the price. | |
| Count. But to what end? Did you not give me apresent of two pistols? | |
| Baron. I do not know what to say. Well, I acceptyour present gratefully.—[Aside.] Where did hefind this fan? It seems to me impossible that hebought it. | |
| Count. Well, what do you say to it? Isn't it a prettything? And just in the nick of time! Oh, I understandthese things, I have much experience. I am wellprovided. There is a whole room full of nick-nacks forladies. But do not let us waste time. Let us go.[Rings at Signora Geltrude's house.] | |
| Tognino. [From the terrace.] What do you wish,gentlemen? | |
| Count. Will the ladies receive us? | |
| Tognino. Signora Geltrude is out, and SignorinaCandida is resting in her room. | |
| Count. Let us know as soon as she is awake. | |
| Tognino. Yes, sir. | [Exit. |
| Count. Did you hear? | |
| Baron. Well, we must just wait. I have to write aletter to Milan; I will go and write it at the apothecary's.If you will come too— | |
| Count. No; I don't like going to that man's house.Go and write your letter, and I will wait here till theservant calls us. | |
| Baron. Very well. As soon as you want me, I am atyour service. | |
| Count. Count on me, do not fear. | |
| Baron. [Aside.] I do not count on him, and still less onthe aunt, and yet less on the niece. [Goes to Timoteo's.] | |
| Count. I will amuse myself with my book, with mybeautiful collection of wonderful fables. [Pulls out hisbook, seats himself, and reads.] | |
| SCENE X. | |
| Count. Evarist comes out of Nina's house. | |
| Evarist. Oh, there he is still! I thought he was gone.I can't think how I was able to fall asleep amid so muchdistress of mind. Fatigue—exhaustion. Now I feelborn anew with the hopes of having back the fan.—[Calls.]Count, your servant. | |
| Count. [Reading and smiling.] Your servant, SignorEvarist. | |
| Evarist. Will you permit me to say a few words? | |
| Count. [As above.] In a moment I am at your disposal. | |
| Evarist. [Aside.] If he has not got the fan in hishand, I don't know how to begin speaking about it. | |
| Count. [Gets up laughing, and pockets his book.] HereI am, at your services. | |
| Evarist. [Searching with his eyes for the fan.] I shouldbe sorry if I have disturbed you. | |
| Count. It does not matter, I will finish reading myfable another time. | |
| Evarist. [As above.] I should not like you to thinkme impertinent. | |
| Count. What are you looking at? Have I some spotabout me? | |
| Evarist. Excuse me, I was told you had a fan. | |
| Count. [Confused.] A fan! It is true. Was it perchanceyou who lost it? | |
| Evarist. Yes, sir, I lost it. | |
| Count. But there are many fans in the world. Howdo you know it is yours? | |
| Evarist. If you would have the kindness to show itto me? | |
| Count. My friend, I am sorry you come too late. | |
| Evarist. How too late? | |
| Count. The fan is no longer in my possession. | |
| Evarist. What? | |
| Count. No; I gave it away. | |
| Evarist. And pray to whom? | |
| Count. That is just what I would rather not tellyou. | |
| Evarist. Count, I must know! I must have backthat fan, and I will know who has it now! | |
| Count. I will not tell! | |
| Evarist. Heavens and earth, but you shall tell! | |
| Count. Do not forget who I am! | |
| Evarist. [Angrily.] I say it, and I will maintain it!This is an ungentlemanly action! | |
| Count. Do you know that I have a couple of loadedpistols? | |
| Evarist. What do I care about your pistols? I wantmy fan! | |
| Count. How absurd! So much eagerness and noisefor a bit of a fan which is worth perhaps five paoli! | |
| Evarist. Let it be worth whatever it is worth, youcannot know that for me it is priceless. I would givetwenty ducats to have it! | |
| Count. You would give twenty ducats! | |
| Evarist. If I tell you so, I promise it! If you canget it back I will gladly sacrifice twenty ducats. | |
| Count. [Aside.] The devil! It must be painted byTitian or Raphael of Urbino.—I will see if I can getyou back the fan. | |
| Evarist. If the owner likes to sell it for twentyducats, I repeat I am willing. | |
| Count. Had I the fan, such a proposal would offendme. | |
| Evarist. But perchance it will not offend its presentowner. | |
| Count. Perchance, who knows? My friend, I assureyou, I am quite confused. | |
| Evarist. Let us do like this, Count. This is a goldsnuff-box whose weight alone represents a worth of overtwenty ducats. Its workmanship makes it worth twiceas much. Never mind; for that fan I will willinglygive this box. Here it is! | |
| Count. [Holding the box in his hand.] Are thereperhaps diamonds on that fan? I noticed nothing. | |
| Evarist. It is not of the faintest value, but it is ofworth to me. | |
| Count. Then I must try and satisfy you. | |
| Evarist. I beg of you! | |
| Count. Await me here.—[Aside.] I am quite confused.—Butam I to give the box in exchange? | |
| Evarist. Yes, yes, give it! | |
| Count. Wait. [Walks a few steps.] And if the persongives me the fan, and does not want the box? | |
| Evarist. I have given it to you. Do what you likewith your property. | |
| Count. In earnest? | |
| Evarist. In earnest. | |
| Count. [Aside.] After all, the Baron is a gentlemanand my friend. Because of the twenty ducats I wouldnot accept it, but a gold snuff-box—that gives an aristocratic,refined, well-to-do air.—[Aloud.] Wait for mehere. [Goes into the pharmacy.] | |
| Evarist. To justify myself in her eyes I wouldsacrifice my life, my heart's blood! | |
| Scene XI. | |
| Crispino from out of Susanna's shop. The above. Then the Count, after Nina. | |
| Crispino. Oh, there he is! Sir, your servant. SignoraGeltrude wishes to speak with you. She is here in theshop, and begs you to have the kindness to step in there.She expects you. | |
| Evarist. Tell her I am at her service in one moment.I must urgently speak to some one before. | |
| Crispino. Yes, sir. And how are you now—better? | |
| Evarist. Much better, I am glad to say. | |
| Crispino. I am delighted to hear it. And Nina iswell? | |
| Evarist. I think so. | |
| Crispino. She is a good girl, is Nina. | |
| Evarist. Yes, indeed, and I know she loves youdearly. | |
| Crispino. And I love her too, but— | |
| Evarist. But what? | |
| Crispino. I have been told certain things. | |
| Evarist. Concerning me, perhaps? | |
| Crispino. To say the truth, yes, sir. | |
| Evarist. Friend, I am a gentleman, and your Ninais a good, honest girl. | |
| Crispino. I think so too. There are always eviltongues about. | |
| [Count, coming out of the pharmacy.] | |
| Evarist. There now! Go to Signora Geltrude andtell her I shall come directly. | |
| Crispino. Yes, sir. [Walks away.] I feel easy nowthat nothing is wrong here.—[Aloud as he passes theCount.] I commend myself to you on behalf of Nina. | |
| Count. Count on my protection! | |
| Crispino. I desire it earnestly. [Goes into the shop.] | |
| Evarist. Well, Count? | |
| Count. Here is the fan. [He shows it him.] | |
| Evarist. [Seizes it eagerly.] Oh, what happiness! Howgreatly I am obliged to you! | |
| Count. Look whether it be yours. | |
| Evarist. Beyond a doubt. [Wishes to move off.] | |
| Count. And the snuff-box? | |
| Evarist. Do not let us name that. I am but toograteful. [Off to Susanna's shop.] | |
| Count. What it means not to understand thingsperfectly! I thought it a common fan, and now itseems it is worth so much,—so much, in fact, that it isworth exchanging against a gold snuff-box. No doubtthe Baron would have liked the box. He was vexedthat I asked for the fan back, but when I said I wouldpresent it in his name, he was mollified a little. I willnow go and buy one like it. | |
| Crispino. [Returning.] Well, this job is done. I liketo serve Signora Geltrude. So you give me good hopes,Count? | |
| Count. Most excellent hopes! To-day is a fortunateday for me, and all I do in it succeeds. | |
| Crispino. Let us hope this will succeed too. | |
| Count. Most undoubtedly! Hi, Nina! | |
| Nina. [Comes out of her house testily.] What do youwant now? | |
| Count. Do not be angered so quickly. I want to doyou a service. I want to marry you. | |
| Nina. I don't need you for that. | |
| Count. With some one to your taste. | |
| Nina. And I say no! | |
| Count. With Crispino. | |
| Nina. With Crispino? | |
| Count. Aha, what do you say now? | |
| Nina. With all my heart! | |
| Count. There, Crispino, you see what my protectionmeans! | |
| Crispino. Yes, sir, I see. | |
| Scene XII. | |
| Moracchio from the house. The above. | |
| Moracchio. What are you doing here? | |
| Nina. What does it matter to you? | |
| Count. Nina is going to be married under the ægisof my protection. | |
| Moracchio. As you like, sir; and she must consent,whether she like it or no. | |
| Nina. [Gravely.] Oh, I will consent dutifully. | |
| Moracchio. The better for you! | |
| Nina. And to show you I consent, I will give myhand to Crispino. | |
| Moracchio. [Amazed.] But—Count— | |
| Count. [Placidly.] Let them be. | |
| Moracchio. But, Count, did you not give your wordto Coronato? | |
| Scene XIII. | |
| Coronato from the inn. The above. | |
| Coronato. Who is talking about me? | |
| Moracchio. Come here, and behold! The Countwants my sister to marry— | |
| Coronato. [Anxiously.] Count! | |
| Count. I am a just man and a nobleman, a sensibleprotector and human. Nina does not want you, and Icannot, and must not, and will not use violence! | |
| Nina. And I want Crispino, though the whole worldoppose it! | |
| Coronato. [To Moracchio.] And what say you? | |
| Moracchio. [To Coronato.] And what say you? | |
| Coronato. I don't care a fig! Who does not wantme, does not deserve me! | |
| Nina. That is the saying. | |
| Count. [To Crispino.] See the results of my protection! | |
| Coronato. Count, I have sent the second barrel of wine. | |
| Count. Bring me the bill, and I will pay it. [Whilespeaking, he pulls out the gold snuff-box, and ostentatiouslytakes snuff.] | |
| Coronato. [Aside.] He has a gold snuff-box—he canpay. | [Exit. |
| Moracchio. [To Nina.] Well, you have had your wayafter all. | |
| Nina. So it seems. | |
| Moracchio. And if you repent, it will be your affair. | |
| Count. She will never need to repent. She has myprotection. | |
| Moracchio. Bread seems to me better than protection. | [Exit. |
| Count. And when shall we hold the wedding? | |
| Crispino. Soon. | |
| Nina. Yes, soon. | |
| Scene XIV. | |
| Baron from the pharmacy. The above. | |
| Baron. Well, Count, have you seen SignorinaCandida, and have you given her the fan? Why wouldyou not let me have the pleasure of giving it hermyself? | |
| Nina. [Aside.] What! Signor Evarist has not got it! | |
| Count. I have not yet seen Signorina Candida, andas for the fan, I have others, and have destined a betterone for her. Oh, here is Signora Geltrude! | |
| Scene XV. | |
| Geltrude, Evarist, and Susanna, all three come out ofSusanna's shop. | |
| Geltrude. [To Susanna.] Do me the favour of tellingmy niece to come down. I must speak to her. | |
| Susanna. I go at once. [Goes to the villa, knocks,they open, she enters.] | |
| Geltrude. [Softly to Evarist.] I do not wish the Countand the Baron to go into the house. | |
| Count. Signora Geltrude, the Baron and I were justabout to visit you. | |
| Geltrude. I am obliged for the polite intention. Theevening is so fine, we can talk out of doors. | |
| Baron. So you have come back, Signor Evarist? | |
| Evarist. [Curtly.] As you see. | |
| Scene XVI. | |
| The above. Candida. | |
| Candida. What does my aunt wish? | |
| Geltrude. Let us take a few turns. | |
| Candida. [Aside.] Why, there is the false Evarist! | |
| Geltrude. But why have you got no fan? | |
| Candida. Don't you remember I broke mine thismorning? | |
| Geltrude. Ah, yes, true; if we could find another. | |
| Baron. [Whispers to Count.] Now is the time togive it. | |
| Count. [Aside.] No, not in public. | |
| Geltrude. Signor Evarist, you do not happen bychance to have one? | |
| Evarist. Here it is, at your service. [He shows it toGeltrude, but does not give it to her.] | |
| [Candida turns aside contemptuously.] | |
| Baron. [Softly to the Count.] Your fan! out with yourfan! | |
| Count. [As above.] Don't poke me so! | |
| Baron. [As above.] Out with it, I say! | |
| Count. [As above.] Not now, not now! | |
| Geltrude. Niece, won't you accept Signor Evarist'spolite offer? | |
| Candida. No, aunt, excuse me; I don't need it. | |
| Count. [To Baron.] You see, she does not acceptit! | |
| Baron. [To Count.] Give it me at once! | |
| Count. [To Baron.] Do you mean to pick a quarrel? | |
| Geltrude. May I ask why you will not accept this fan? | |
| Candida. Because it is not mine; because it was notmeant for me. It would not become either you or mewere I to accept it. | |
| Geltrude. Signor Evarist, can you answer this? | |
| Evarist. I can if I may. | |
| Candida. Excuse me. [Turns to leave.] | |
| Geltrude. Stay here! I command it. [Candida obeys.] | |
| Baron. [To Count.] What is all this imbroglio? | |
| Count. [To Baron.] I know nothing about it all. | |
| Evarist. Susanna, do you know this fan? | |
| Susanna. Yes, sir. It is that you bought from methis morning. I most imprudently concluded you hadbought it for Nina. I confess I was wrong, but appearanceswere against you, for in truth you gave the fanto the girl. | |
| Evarist. Nina, why did I give you that fan? | |
| Nina. That I might give it to Signorina Candida;but when I went to do so, the ladies would not letme speak, and turned me out of the house. I thenwanted to give it back to you, and you would not haveit, so I gave it to Crispino. | |
| Crispino. And I fell down, and Coronato took it. | |
| Evarist. But where is Coronato? How did it leaveCoronato's hands? | |
| Crispino. Don't call him! As he is not there, I willtell the truth. I was annoyed, went into the inn tofetch wine, saw it lying about, and carried it off. | |
| Evarist. And what did you do with it then? | |
| Crispino. I gave it to the Count. | |
| Count. And I gave it to the Baron. | |
| Baron. [Contemptuously.] And then took it back again! | |
| Count. Yes, and restored it to Signor Evarist. | |
| Evarist. And I present it to Signorina Candida. | |
| [Candida accepts it with a deep courtesy, smilingsweetly.] | |
| Baron. What comedy is all this? what complicationhave we here? Am I made ridiculous through yourfault? | |
| Count. I swear to Heaven, Signor Evarist, I swear toHeaven— | |
| Evarist. Come, come, Count, do not distress yourself.We are friends. Give me a pinch of snuff. | |
| Count. [Offers him the box.] Yes, I am like that; if Iam treated well, I don't excite myself. | |
| Baron. You may not, but I do. | |
| Geltrude. Baron! | |
| Baron. And you, too, helped to make me ridiculous. | |
| Gertrude. Excuse me; you don't know me, sir. Ihave not failed in my engagements. I listened to yourproposals, my niece heard and accepted them, and Iconsented with pleasure. | |
| Count. [To the Baron.] You hear? That was becauseI spoke. | |
| Baron. [To Candida.] And you, Signorina Candida,why did you give me hope? why did you deceive me? | |
| Candida. I must ask your forgiveness, sir. I wastorn by two conflicting passions. The desire for revengemade me wish to be yours, and love gives me back toEvarist. | |
| Count. I did not know this. | |
| Geltrude. And if you had been a bolder lover and asincerer friend, you would not have found yourself inthis case. | |
| Baron. It is true. I confess my passion, I condemnmy weakness; but I despise the friendship and conductof the Count. [He salutes and moves off.] | |
| Count. There, there, it is nothing. Let us be friends.We are joking. Among colleagues these things areunderstood. Come, let us think of these weddings. | |
| Geltrude. Let us go into the house, and I hope allwill be arranged to universal satisfaction. | |
| [Candida fans herself.] | |
| Geltrude. Are you contented to have that much-desiredfan in your hands? | |
| Candida. I cannot express the measure of my content. | |
| Geltrude. A great fan! It has turned all our heads,from the highest to the lowest. | |
| Candida. [To Susanna.] Is it from Paris, this fan? | |
| Susanna. Yes, from Paris; I guarantee it. | |
| Geltrude. Come, I invite you all to supper, and wewill drink to this fan which did all the harm andbrought about all the good. |