SCENE THIRTEENTH
Faustine and Fontanares.
Fontanares The palace of the king of Spain is not more splendid than yours, senora, and you here display all the pomp of royalty.
Faustine
Listen to me, dear Fontanares.
Fontanares
Dear! Ah! senora, you have taught me to distrust such words as that!
Faustine She, whom you have so cruelly insulted, will now reveal herself to you. A terrible disaster threatens you. Sarpi has persistently worked against you and in doing so has carried out the orders of an irresistible power, and this banquet will be for you, unless I intervene, the scene of a Judas' kiss. I have been told, in confidence, that on your departure from this house, perhaps without these very walls, you will be arrested, flung into prison, and your trial will begin—never to end. Is it possible that you can put into proper condition in one night the vessel which otherwise will be forfeited to you? As regards your work, you know how impossible it is to begin it over again. I wish to save you, you and your glory, you and your fortune.
Fontanares
You save me? And how?
Faustine Avalores has placed at my disposal one of his ships, Monipodio has given me his best smugglers for a cruise; let us start for Venice. The republic will make you a patrician and will give you ten times as much gold as Spain has promised. (Aside) Why is it they do not arrive?
Fontanares And what of Marie? If we are to take her with us, I will believe in you.
Faustine Your thoughts are of her at the very moment when the choice between life and death is to be made. If you delay, we may be lost.