The same persons, with the exception of Paquita.
Quinola (approaching the Brancadori) Senora, my master talks of killing himself unless he can obtain the ship which Count Sarpi has refused for thirty days to give him; Senor Avaloros asks for his life while offering him his purse; do you understand? (Aside) A woman was our salvation at Valladolid; the women shall be our salvation at Barcelona. (Aloud) He is very despondent.
Avaloros
The wretched man seems daring enough.
Quinola
Daring without money is naturally amazing to you.
Sarpi (to Quinola)
Will you enter my service?
Quinola
I am too set in my ways to take a master.
Faustine (aside)
He is despondent! (Aloud) Why is it that men like you, Sarpi and
Avaloros, for whom I have done so much, should persecute, instead of
protecting, the poor man of genius who has so lately arrived among us?
(Avaloros and Sarpi are confused.) I cry shame upon you! (To Quinola)
You must explain to me exactly their schemes against your master.
Sarpi (to Faustine)
My dear cousin, it does to need much penetration to divine what malady
it is under which you have labored since the arrival of this
Fontanares.
Avaloros (to Faustine) You owe me, senora, two thousand doubloons, and you will need to draw still further on my purse.
Faustine
I? What have I ever asked of you?