Fontanares But she loves me! (Marie waves her handkerchief at the window.) See, see, my star is shining!
Quinola Why, sir, it is a handkerchief! Are you sufficiently in your right mind to take a bit of advice? This is not the sort of madonna for you; you need a Marchioness of Mondejar—one of those slim creatures, clad in steel, who through love are capable of all the expedients which distress makes necessary. Now the Brancadori—
Fontanares If you want me to throw the whole thing up you will go on talking like that! Bear that in mind; love gives the only strength I have. It is the celestial light that leads me on.
Quinola
There, there, do not excite yourself.
Monipodio This man makes me anxious! He seems to me rather to be possessed by the machinery of love than by the love of machinery.
SCENE EIGHTEENTH
The same persons and Paquita.
Paquita (to Fontanares)
My mistress bids me tell you, senor, that you must be on your guard.
You are the object of implacable hatred to certain persons.
Monipodio That is my business. You may go without fear through all the streets of Barcelona; if any one seeks your life, I shall be the first to know it.
Fontanares
Danger! Already?