Car. Not at home!—come, sir, what have you received for telling that lie?
Ped. Lie!—lie!—Signior!—
Car. It must be a lie, by your promptness in delivering it.—What a fool does your mistress trust—A clever rascal would have waited my approach, and, delivering the message with easy coolness, deceived me—thou hast been on the watch, and runnest towards me with a face of stupid importance, bawling, that she may hear through the lattice how well thou obeyest her,—"Donna Laura is not at home, sir."
Ped. Hear through the lattice—hah! by'r lady, she must have long ears, to reach from the grotto in the garden to the street.
Car. Hah! [Seizes him.] Now, sir, your ears shall be longer, if you do not tell me who is with her in the grotto.
Ped. In the grotto, sir!—did I say any thing about the grotto? I——I only meant that——
Car. Fool!—dost thou trifle with me? who is with her? [Pinching his ear.]
Ped. Oh!—why, nobody, sir—only the pretty young gentleman's valet, waiting for an answer to a letter he brought. There! I have saved my ears at the expense of my place. I have worn this fine coat but a week, and I shall be sent back to Segovia for not being able to lie, though I have been learning the art six days and nights.
Car. Well—come this way—if thou wilt promise to be faithful to me, I will not betray thee: nor at present enter the house.
Ped. Oh, sir, blessings on you!