Mar. Were these women flying from a nunnery?
Ben. These women? heyday! then, it seems, you do not know they are your nieces.
Duke. His nieces, say you? Take heed, fellow, you shall he punished severely, if you mistake.
Cam. Speak to Benito in time, Aurelian.
Aur. The devil's in him; he's running down-hill full speed, and there's no stopping him.
Mar. My nieces?
Ben. Your nieces? Why, do you doubt it? I praise heaven I never met but with two half-wits in my life, and my master's one of them; I will not name the other at this time.
Duke. I say, they are not they.
Ben. I am sure they are Laura and Violetta; and that those two rogues were running away with them, and that, I believe, with their consent.
Vio. Sister, 'tis in vain to deny ourselves; you see our ill fortune pursues us unavoidably. [Turning up her mask.] Yes, sir, we are Laura and Violetta, whom you have made unhappy by your tyranny.