Min. Well, really, my master is in a piteous passion; he seems more angry at your liking his marriage, than at your refusing to be married yourself.——Wouldn't it have been better, madam, to have affected discontent?
Oliv. To what purpose, but to lay myself open to fresh solicitations, in order to get rid of the evil I pretended to dread? Bless us! nothing can be more easy than for my father to be gratified, if he were but lucky in the choice of a lover.
Min. As much as to say, madam, that there is—
Oliv. Why, yes, as much as to say—I see you are resolved to have my secret, Minette, and so—
Enter Servant, l.
Serv. There is a gentleman at the door, madam, called Don Julio de Melessina. He waits on you from Don Vincentio.
Oliv. Who? Don Julio! it cannot be—art thou sure of his name?
Serv. The servant repeated it twice. He is in a fine carriage, and seems to be a nobleman.
Oliv. Conduct him hither. [Exit Servant, l.] I am astonished! I cannot see him! I would not have him know the incognita to be Olivia, for worlds!—There is but one way. [Aside.] Minette, ask no questions; but do as I order you.—Receive Don Julio in my name; call yourself the heiress of Don Cæsar; and on no account suffer him to believe that you are any thing else.
[Exit, r.