Faustine and Don Fregose.
Don Fregose
Madame, you run the risk of catching cold; it is too chilly here.
Faustine Come here, my lord. You tell me, that you have faith in me; but you put Monipodio to watch under my windows. Your behavior is not to be excused like the excessive prudence of a young man, and necessarily exasperates an honest woman. There are two kinds of jealousy: the first makes a man distrust his mistress; the second leads him to lose faith in himself. Confine yourself, if you please, to the second.
Don Fregose Do not end so charming a celebration, senora, by a burst of anger which I do not deserve.
Faustine
Was Monipodio, through whom you learn everything that goes on in
Barcelona, under my windows last night, or was he not? Answer me on
your honor as a gentleman.
Don Fregose He might have been in the neighborhood to prevent our gamesters from being attacked on their way home.
Faustine This is the evasive stratagem of an old general! I must know the truth. If you have deceived me I will never see you again so long as I live!
(She leaves him.)
SCENE FIFTH.
Don Fregose (alone) Oh, why cannot I give up the sight, the voice of this woman! She delights me even in her very anger, and I love to call forth her reproaches, that I may listen to her words.