ACT II.
Scene I.
Susanna alone, comes out of her house and arranges her wares.
| Susanna. Bad times, little business to be done in thisvillage. I have as yet sold but one fan, and that I havegiven for a price—really just to get rid of it. Thepeople who can spend take their supplies in the city.From the poor there is little to earn. I am a fool tolose my time here in the midst of these peasants,without manners, without respect, who do not knowthe difference between a shopwoman of education andthose who sell milk, salad, and eggs. My town educationstands me no stead in the country. All equal, allcompanions, Susanna, Nina, Margherita, Lucia; theshopkeeper, the goatherd, the peasant, all one. Thetwo ladies yonder are a little more considered, butlittle, very little. As for that impertinent Nina,because she is a little favoured by the gentry, shethinks she is something great. They have given hera 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, andyet these things at times make me rage. I, who havebeen 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 itup. I saw Evarist coming out of the shop and go toNina, and certainly he gave her something. I mustsee if Susanna can tell me something. Yes, aunt isright, "Mistrust all strangers." Poor me! If he proveunfaithful! It is my first love. I have loved none buthim. [Advances towards Susanna.] | |
| Susanna. [Rises.] Ah, Signorina Candida, yourhumble servant. | |
| Candida. Good day, Susanna. What are you workingat 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 goesinto the shop and brings out a second chair.] Pray sithere, 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-borndespises no one. The peasants here are proud,and Nina especially. | |
| Candida. Speaking of Nina, did you notice her whenSignor 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? Sucha fight as there was! | |
| Candida. I heard a noise, an angry discussion. Theytold me Crispino and Coronato were at loggerheads. | |
| Susanna. Precisely, and all because of this beauty,this treasure. | |
| Candida. But why? | |
| Susanna. Jealousy between themselves, jealousybecause of Signor Evarist. | |
| Candida. Do you think Signor Evarist has anyfriendship for Nina? | |
| Susanna. I know nothing. I do not concern myselfabout others' affairs, and think ill of no one; but if thehost and the shoemaker are jealous of him, they musthave their reasons. | |
| Candida. [Aside.] Alas! the argument is but too true,to my prejudice. | |
| Susanna. Excuse me, I should not like to make amistake. | |
| Candida. In what? | |
| Susanna. I hope that you take no interest in SignorEvarist? | |
| Candida. I? Oh, none whatever! I know himbecause he sometimes comes to the house, and is afriend of my aunt's. | |
| Susanna. Then I will tell you the truth. [Aside.]I do not think this can offend her. I almost thoughtthat between you and Signor Evarist there was someunderstanding,—of course permissible and respectable,—butsince he was with me this morning, I am of anotheropinion. | |
| 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 hadbroken yours, so to speak, on his account, I at oncesaid to myself, He buys it to give it to the SignorinaCandida. | |
| Candida. So he bought it for me? | |
| Susanna. Oh no, Signorina. I will confess to youI took the liberty of asking him if he were buying itfor you. He replied in a manner as if I had offendedhim, "That is not my business; what is there betweenme and the Signorina Candida? I have destined itelsewhere." | |
| Candida. And what did he do with this fan? | |
| Susanna. What did he do with it? He gave it toNina. | |
| Candida. [Aside.] Oh, I am lost! I am miserable! | |
| Susanna. [Observing her agitation.] Signorina Candida! | |
| Candida. [Aside.] Ungrateful, unfaithful, and forwhom?—for a peasant girl! | |
| Susanna. [With insistence.] Signorina Candida! | |
| Candida. [Aside.] The offence is insupportable. | |
| Susanna. [Aside.] Poor me! What have I done?—SignorinaCandida, 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 owneyes. | |
| Candida. And then you say it may not be thus? | |
| Susanna. I do not know—I do not wish that by myfault— | |
| 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 haveme 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 hercompany. | |
| 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. Iam no chatterbox, and my house is most respectable. | |
| Geltrude. Do not justify yourself without beingaccused. | |
| Susanna. I am very sensitive, Signora. | |
| Geltrude. Why did you not tell me you needed anightcap? | |
| Candida. You were in your writing-room, and I didnot wish to disturb you. | |
| Susanna. Would you like to see it? I will go andget it. I pray, sit down. [Gives her chair to Geltrude,and goes into the shop.] | |
| Geltrude. [Seating herself, to Candida.] Have you heardnothing of this encounter between the shoemaker andthe 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 thingsabout her of a nature that would make it better weshould 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 thanto see me, I leave you free to treat her as you please. | |
| Candida. [Aside.] The minx! she will not have theimpudence to appear before me. | |
| Susanna. [Returning.] Here are the caps, ladies; see,choose, and content yourselves. [All three occupied withthe 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. Leavethe 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 alady who has some talents; I like literature, I conversewith her more willingly than with any other. Forthe rest, she is a poor city dame. Her husband lefther this wretched house and some acres of ground,and, in order to be respected in this village, she needsmy protection. | |
| Baron. Long live the Count who protects widowsand fair ladies! | |
| Count. What would you have? In this world onemust be good for something. | |
| Baron. Then you will do me the favour— | |
| Count. Do not fear, I will speak to her; I will askher niece's hand for a cavalier, who is my friend, andwhen I have asked her I am sure she will not have thecourage 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, yourfaculties, your honours! Oh, we members of thearistocracy all know each other. | |
| Baron. [Aside.] How I should laugh at him if I hadnot 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 haveseen us. | |
| Count. Certainly not. If Signora Geltrude had seenme, 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 notsee 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 capI have bought, and then I am at your disposal. [Pullsout a purse to pay Susanna, and to prolong the moment.] | |
| Count. What! you would pay at once! I never hadthat vice. | |
| Scene V. | |
| Coronato comes out of the inn with Scavezzo, who carriesa barrel of wine on his shoulders. | |
| Coronato. Honoured sir, this is the barrel of winefor you. | |
| Count. And the second? | |
| Coronato. After this I will bring the second. Whereshall 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'tput 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 themaster 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 ityou 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 andpropose. | |
| Geltrude. I will tell you, Count: you know my niecehas lost her parents, and, being the daughter of my onlybrother, 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 herfather to suffice to marry her in her own rank. | |
| Count. It does not matter; it is no question of thathere. | |
| Geltrude. Let me finish. My husband left me anample 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 amproposing this match, and when I propose, it must meether favour. | |
| Geltrude. I am certain that the Count is incapable ofproposing other than an acceptable person, but I hopehe 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. Iam 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 inclinedto sacrifice her to the idol of vanity. | |
| Count. [Laughing.] Ah, one sees that you read fables. | |
| Geltrude. Such feelings are not learnt from fables nornovels. Nature inspires them and education cultivatesthem. | |
| Count. Nature, education, all you will. He whom Ipropose 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, butwithout harm. | |
| Count. Well, now, your answer, I beg? | |
| Geltrude. Adagio, adagio, Count. Such matters arenot decided all in a moment. I should like the Baronto have the goodness to speak to me. | |
| Count. Excuse me, if I say a thing, there can be nodoubt about it. I woo on his behalf, and he has beggedmy intercession, implored me—And I speak to you, begyou—that is to say, I do not beg you, I demand ofyou— | |
| Geltrude. Let us admit that the Baron is in earnest. | |
| Count. By Jupiter, what is this we are to admit? thething is certain when I say so. | |
| Geltrude. Admitted, then, that the thing is certain.The Baron desires her, you demand her. It is alwaysneedful I should ask Candida if she assents. | |
| Count. She cannot know about it unless you tell her. | |
| Geltrude. [Ironically.] Have the goodness to believethat 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 theBaron is in earnest, it would indeed be a piece of goodluck for my niece, but I doubt. [Goes towards Susanna.] | |
| Count. Ha, ha! with my good manners I attain frompeople all I want. [Takes a book from his pocket, seatshimself, and reads.] | |
| Geltrude. Candida, I have to speak to you. Let ustake a turn. | |
| Susanna. Will you go into my little garden? Youwill be quite free there. | |
| Geltrude. Yes, let us go there, because I must comeback here at once. | |
| Candida. [Aside.] What can she want to tell me? Iam too miserable to expect any good news. [Both intothe shop.] | |
| Count. She is capable of keeping me waiting here foran hour. It is well that I have this book to entertainme. What a beautiful thing is literature! A man witha 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, sowhen that fellow Moracchio comes he can't scold me.No one is looking. I had better go now and take thefan to Signorina Candida. If I can give it her withouther aunt seeing, I will; if not, I'll wait anotherchance. | |
| Count. Why, Nina, Nina. Ho, here, my girl! [Goestowards 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 havepromised him my protection, and he merits it. [Gets upand 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 suchaudacity, such impertinence? | |
| Nina. How would you have me speak? I speak asI know how; I am not used to converse. I speaklike that with every one, and no one has told me I amimpertinent. | |
| Count. You must distinguish the people with whomyou speak. | |
| Nina. I don't know how to distinguish. If you wantsomething, say it! If you want to amuse yourself, Ihave 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 mymouth. | |
| 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 marryI 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 thisvillage? | |
| Nina. You may be able to do all in the village, butyou 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, tothat rich man, that admirable man, Coronato? | |
| Nina. I would prefer him to others far better thanCoronato. | |
| Count. You would prefer him to any other? | |
| Nina. [Laughing, and making him understand that sherefers to him.] Oh, and if you knew to whom, forinstance! | |
| 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 sayingsome impertinence. | |
| Nina. Do you want anything else of me? | |
| Count. Simply this: I protect your brother, yourbrother has given his word for you to Coronato, and youmust marry Coronato. | |
| Nina. [With affectation.] Your worship protects mybrother? | |
| Count. Just so. | |
| Nina. And my brother has given his word toCoronato? | |
| 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'sobedient servant. [Laughs and runs towards thevilla.] | |
| Count. [With scorn.] Rustica progenies nescit haberemodum. I do not know what to do. If she does notwant Coronato, I can't force her. It is not my fault.What on earth does he want a wife for, who does notwant him? Are women scarce? I will find him onebetter than this. He shall see what my protection isworth. | |
| 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 haveendured with a woman—it is true, another woman—[Aside.]But all women are alike.—Well, then, whatdoes 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 havehad a success. | |
| Candida. [Aside.] All to revenge myself on thatfalse Evarist! | |
| Geltrude. [Aside.] I certainly did not think shewould 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 marriesthe Baron del Cedro. | |
| Nina. [Aside.] What do I hear? What will sheanswer? | |
| 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 goesswimmingly. | |
| Nina. [Aside.] But this is a terrible business! PoorSignor Evarist! It is useless for me to give the fan toSignorina Candida. | [Exit. |
| Geltrude. [Aside.] I deceived myself. She loves theBaron, and I thought her attracted to Signor Evarist. | |
| Count. If you will allow me, I will go and give thisgood news to the Baron, to my dear friend, my dearcolleague. | |
| Geltrude. And where is the Baron? | |
| Count. He expects me at the apothecary's. Do as Ibeg. Go to the house, and I will conduct him to you atonce. | |
| 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 youinvited him to dinner. | |
| Geltrude. What! the first time! | |
| Count. Oh, these are exaggerated considerations. Hewill 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 doit willingly? | |
| Candida. Yes, willingly.—[Aside.] I have given myword, it is irremediable. | |
| Geltrude. [Aside.] Poor child, I pity her. In thesecases, 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 inour house again! | |
| Nina. What! this affront to me? | |
| Candida. What affront? You are an unworthycreature, and I cannot and will not tolerate youlonger. [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 youhave had, but my niece is a person of good judgment,and if she has treated you ill, she must have herreasons. | |
| Nina. What reasons can she have? I am astonishedat her. | |
| Geltrude. Come, come, do not forget your respect; donot raise your voice. | |
| Nina. I will go and seek justification. | |
| Geltrude. No, no, stay here. It is no good now, do itafter. | |
| Nina. And I tell you, I will go now! | |
| Geltrude. Do not presume to pass this door. [Placesherself on the threshold.] | |
| Scene X. | |
| The above. Count and Baron going from the apothecary'sto the villa. | |
| Count. Come, come, let us go. | |
| Baron. I must go. | |
| Geltrude. [To Nina.] Impudent lass! [Goes in andthrows to the door at the moment that the Count andBaron are about to enter. She does not see them.] | |
| [Nina goes away angered. Count remains speechless, 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 downtrembling.] | |
| 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 notwish to expose myself to fresh insults. You haveserved me but ill. They have laughed at you, and madefun 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 thatI am in this village, and that I no longer use a sword. | |
| Baron. With pistols, then. [Draws two pistols fromhis 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 avile action with whomsoever it should be; how little,then, with you and the Baron, who deigns to condescendto my niece! | |
| Count. [To the Baron.] You hear! | |
| Baron. But, Madame, at the very moment we wantedto come to you, the door was closed in our faces. | |
| Geltrude. I assure you I did not see you. I closedthe 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 ordersthat 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 awaythe pistols.] | |
| Count. And you mean to present yourself to two ladieswith 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,—youknow what women are,—they would not come nearyou. | |
| Baron. You are right. Thank you for warning me,and, as a sign of good friendship, allow me to presentyou with them. [Draws one from his pocket and presentsit.] | |
| 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 carryempty pistols? | |
| Count. Wait! Ho there, café! | |
| Limonato. [From out his shop.] What would you, sir? | |
| Count. Take these pistols and keep them till I askyou for them. | |
| Limonato. At your service. [Takes the pistols fromthe Baron.] | |
| Count. Take care, they are loaded! | |
| Limonato. [Laughing.] Oh, I know how to managethem. | |
| 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 mistressexpects you. | |
| Count. Let us go. | |
| Baron. Yes, let us go. | |
| Count. Well, what do you say? Am I a man of myword? Ah, dear colleague, we noblemen—our protectionis worth something. | |
| [Nina comes out of her house softly, and goes behind them to enter. Tognino has let the Count and Baron pass, and remains on the threshold. 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 inand shuts the door.] | |
| Nina. I am furious!—I feel choking with rage! Thisinsult to me—to a girl of my kind! [Stamps with rage.] | |
| Scene XII. | |
Evarist from the street, his gun, on his shoulder, andMoracchio 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 partridgestill I dispose of them. [Seats himself before the café.] | |
| Moracchio. Never fear, I will take care of them.—[ToNina.] Is dinner ready? | |
| Nina. Quite ready. | |
| Moracchio. What on earth is the matter? You arealways angry with all the world, and then complainof me. | |
| Nina. Oh, it's true, we are relations, there is no gainsayingit. | |
| Moracchio. Come, let us go in and dine. It is time. | |
| Nina. Yes, yes, go. I will come after.—[Aside.] Iwant to speak to Signor Evarist. | |
| Moracchio. Yes, come; if not, I shall eat all. [Goes intothe house.] | |
| Nina. If I ate now, I should eat poison. | |
| Evarist. [Aside.] No one on the terrace! Doubtlessthey are at dinner. It is better I go to the inn, theBaron expects me. [Rises.] Well, Nina, nothing newto 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 notgive it? | |
| Nina. I have received a thousand insults, a thousandimpertinences, and have been chased from the houselike a good-for-nothing. | |
| Evarist. Then Signora Geltrude noticed it? | |
| Nina. Oh, not only Signora Geltrude. The greatestinsults 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 metime, but sent me off like a thief? | |
| Evarist. But there must be some reason. | |
| Nina. For my part, I know I have done nothing toher. 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 youmuch, 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 heis to marry the Signorina Candida? | |
| Evarist. Nina, you dream—you are raving! you donothing but talk absurdities! | |
| Nina. You don't believe me? Well, go and see, andyou 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 itwith these ears. | |
| Evarist. It cannot be! It is impossible! You talknonsense. | |
| Nina. Go, see for yourself. Listen, and you will soonlearn if I talk nonsense. | |
| Evarist. I will see at once! [Runs to the villa andknocks.] | |
| 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 and looks 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 Ishould come in? | |
| Tognino. Yes, Signora Geltrude had said you mightpass, but Signorina Candida did not wish it. | |
| Evarist. Did not wish it? I swear to Heaven Iwill come in! [Tries to push aside Tognino, who boltsthe door.] | |
| Nina. Well, and what did I tell you? | |
| Evarist. I am beside myself! I do not know in whatworld I am. To shut the door in my face! | |
| Nina. Oh, do not be amazed! They treated me inthe same beautiful way. | |
| Evarist. How is it possible Candida could thusdeceive me? | |
| Nina. What is a fact cannot be doubted. | |
| Evarist. I still do not believe it—I cannot believeit—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, andenjoy 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 someother reason! I will go into the café. It will beenough for me to see her, to hear a word from her. Asign alone from her will suffice to assure me of life orto give me my death-blow. | |
| Nina. Well, take it. | |
| Scene XIII. | |
Coronato and Scavezzo return. Scavezzo goes straightto the inn. Coronato remains aside to listen. Theabove. | |
| Evarist. What do you want to give me? | |
| Nina. Why, your fan! | |
| Evarist. Keep it. Don't torment me. | |
| Nina. You give me this fan? | |
| Evarist. Yes, yes, keep it, I give it you.—[Aside.] Iam beside myself! | |
| Nina. If it is so, I thank you. | |
| Coronato. [Aside.] Ho, ho! now I know what the presentwas! A fan. [Goes to the inn without being seen.] | |
| Evarist. But if Candida won't let me see her—if bychance she does not look out of the window—if seeingme she refuses to listen to me—if her aunt forbids her!I am in a sea of confusion, of agitation. | |
| [Crispino, with a sack full of leather and shoes on his shoulder, goes towards his booth. Seeing the two, he stops to listen.] | |
| Nina. Dear Signor Evarist, you make me sad; I amdeeply grieved for you. | |
| Evarist. Yes, my good girl, I deserve your pity. | |
| Nina. So good, amiable, and polite a gentleman. | |
| Evarist. You know my heart, you bear testimony tomy love. | |
| Crispino. [Aside.] Nice things these! I see I came intime. | |
| Nina. Indeed, if I knew how to comfort you— | |
| Crispino. [Aside.] Better and better! | |
| Evarist. Well, at all costs I will try my luck. I willnot have to reproach myself that I neglected to clearup the matter. I go to the café, Nina; I go and tremble.Retain to me your friendship and good-will. [He takesher hand, and goes into the café.] | |
| Nina. On the one hand he makes me laugh, on theother I am sorry for him. | |
| [Crispino puts down his sack, pulls out some shoes, puts them on the bench, and goes into his shop without speaking.] | |
| Nina. Why, here is Crispino! Welcome back!Where have you been till now? | |
| Crispino. Don't you see, to buy leather and to takeshoes for mending. | |
| Nina. But you do nothing but mend old shoes. Iwould not have people say—you know they are so ill-naturedhere— | |
| Crispino. The evil tongues will find more to sayabout you than about me. | |
| Nina. About me! What can they say? | |
| Crispino. What do I care what they say—that I ammore of a cobbler than a shoemaker? It is enough for meto be an honest man, and to earn my bread righteously.[He sits down and works.] | |
| Nina. But I don't want to be called the cobbleress. | |
| Crispino. When? | |
| Nina. When I shall be your wife. | |
| Crispino. Eh? | |
| Nina. Eh! What does this eh! mean? what doesthis eh! mean? | |
| Crispino. It means that Signorina Nina will beneither cobbleress nor shoemakeress; she has aims mostvast and grand. | |
| Nina. Are you mad, or have you drunk this morning? | |
| Crispino. I am not mad, I have not drunk, but I amneither blind nor deaf. | |
| Nina. Then what the devil do you mean? Explainyourself if you would have me understand you. | |
| Crispino. I am to explain myself! You would haveme explain myself? Do you think I have not heardyour fine words with Signor Evarist? | |
| Nina. With Signor Evarist? | |
| Crispino. [Imitating Evarist.] Yes, my good girl, youknow my heart; you bear testimony to my love. | |
| Nina. [Laughing.] You silly fellow! | |
| Crispino. [Imitating Nina.] Indeed, if I knew how tocomfort you— | |
| Nina. [Laughing.] Silly fellow, I say! | |
| Crispino. [Imitating Evarist.] Nina, retain to meyour friendship and good-will. | |
| Nina. [Laughing yet more.] Sillier than ever! | |
| Crispino. I? | |
| Nina. Yes, absurd; madly absurd! | |
| Crispino. But, by Jove, did I not see, did I not hearyour beautiful conversation with Signor Evarist? | |
| Nina. Silly boy, I tell you! | |
| Crispino. And what you replied. | |
| Nina. Silly boy! | |
| Crispino. Nina, have done with this "silly," or I shallgo silly in very deed. [Threatens her.] | |
| Nina. Eh! eh! [Becomes serious, and changes hertune.] But do you really think Signor Evarist lovesme? | |
| Crispino. I know nothing about it. | |
| Nina. Come here. Listen. [Speaks rapidly.] SignorEvarist loves Signorina Candida; and SignorinaCandida has planted him, and wants to marry theBaron. And Signor Evarist is desperate, and came topour out his heart to me; and I pretended to besympathetic to make fun of him, and he let himself becomforted that way. Do you understand now? | |
| Crispino. Not a word. | |
| Nina. Are you persuaded of my innocence? | |
| Crispino. Not entirely. | |
| Nina. Then, if things are thus, go to the devil withyou! Coronato desires me, seeks me; my brother haspromised me to him. The Count, who respects me,implores—I shall marry Coronato. | |
| Crispino. Come, come, don't be so angry instantly.Can you assure me you speak the truth—that there isnothing between you and Signor Evarist? | |
| Nina. And you do not wish me to call you silly!But, my own good Crispino, whom I love so much, mydear betrothed! [She caresses him.] | |
| Crispino. [Gently.] And what did Signor Evarist giveyou? | |
| Nina. Nothing. | |
| Crispino. Nothing? nothing? nothing? | |
| Nina. When I tell you nothing, nothing—[Aside.]I do not want him to know about the fan, or he willsuspect me again. | |
| Crispino. Can I be sure? | |
| Nina. Come, come, you tease me. | |
| Crispino. You love me? | |
| Nina. Yes, I love you. | |
| Crispino. Well, then, let us make peace. [He takes herhand.] | |
| Nina. [Laughing.] Silly fellow. | |
| Crispino. [Laughing.] But why silly? | |
| Nina. Because you are. | |
| Scene XIV. | |
| Coronato, who comes out of the inn. The above. | |
| Coronato. At last I know what present SignorinaNina has had. | |
| Nina. What business is that of yours? | |
| Crispino. [To Coronato.] From whom has she had apresent? | |
| Coronato. From Signor Evarist. | |
| Nina. It is not true. | |
| Crispino. It is not true? | |
| Coronato. But it is, and I know, too, what it is. | |
| Nina. Well, be it what it be, it does not concern you.I love Crispino, and shall be the wife of my Crispino. | |
| Crispino. [To Coronato.] Well, what is the present? | |
| Coronato. A fan. | |
| Crispino. [Angrily to Nina.] A fan? | |
| Nina. [Aside.] Confound that fellow! | |
| Crispino. [To Nina.] Did you receive a fan? | |
| Nina. It is not true. | |
| Coronato. It is so true, that you have it in your pocket. | |
| Crispino. I wish to see that fan. | |
| Nina. No, no! | |
| Coronato. I will find the means to make her show it. | |
| Nina. You are an interfering fellow. | |
| Scene XV. | |
| Moracchio from out the house, a table napkin in his hand,eating. | |
| Moracchio. What's all this noise about? | |
| Coronato. Your sister has had a fan given her, it is inher pocket, and she denies it. | |
| Moracchio. [Sternly.] Give me that fan. | |
| Nina. Leave me alone. | |
| Moracchio. Give me that fan, or, I swear by Heaven—[Threatens her.] | |
| Nina. Confound you all! Here it is. | |
| Crispino. [Wants to take it.] I want it. | |
| Coronato. No; I. | |
| Nina. Leave me alone, I say! | |
| Moracchio. Quick, give it here. I want it. | |
| Nina. No; rather than to you or Coronato, I will giveit to Crispino. | |
| Moracchio. Give it to me, I say! | |
| Nina. To Crispino! [Gives the fan to Crispino, andruns into the house.] | |
| Coronato. Give it here. | |
| Moracchio. Give it here. | |
| Crispino. You shall not have it. | |
| [Both fall on Crispino to yet it from him. He escapes from the scene, they follow him.] | |
| Scene XVI. | |
| The Count on the terrace. Timoteo outside his shop. | |
| Count. Hi! Signor Timoteo! | |
| Timoteo. What do you command? | |
| Count. Quick, quick, bring spirits and cordials!Signorina Candida has fainted! | |
| Timoteo. Instantly. [Returns into the shop.] | |
| Count. What was she looking at? One would thinksome poisonous plants grew in the garden of the café. | [Exit. |
| [Crispino crosses the stage, running. Coronato and Moracchio run after him, and all three disappear.] | |
| Baron. [From the villa to the apothecary.] Quick,quick, Signor Timoteo! | |
| Timoteo. [Advancing with various phials and cups.]Here I am. | |
| Baron. Quick, quick! | |
| Timoteo. All right, all right. [Goes up to the door.] | |
| [Crispino, Coronato, Moracchio, from outside the scene, run furiously across the stage, knock against Timoteo, throw him down, breaking all his bottles. Crispino falls over him and loses hold of the fan. Coronato snatches it up and runs off. Timoteo gets up and returns to his shop.] | |
| Coronato. [To Moracchio.] Here it is, here it is! Ihave got it! | [Exit. |
END OF THE SECOND ACT.
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. |