Fran. Lord, madam, what d'ye mean?
Blan. To make the pleasing proposition to him,
As I told my brother I would. Say, am I not moderate?
But do without reply, what I command.
Fran. Madam, I shall obey. But [aside] observe you so withal,
As to prevent the mischief, if I can. [Exit Francisca.
Blan. Ye gods, assist me in my just revenge,
Or you will make an atheist. My first work
Must be, before Don Zancho comes, to speak
With his sweet mistress; and with words and looks,
As false as hers have been, so to delude her
With hopes of what she wishes, that they both
May jointly fall my honour's sacrifice. [Exit.
Enter Don Fernando, as in Don Julio's private apartment.
Don F. Since generosity hath so far got
The mastery, as to have made me fix
Upon a resolution so unheard of,
I long to see it executed. But stay:
I think I hear Elvira's voice without,
And Blanca's too. Here curiosity
To overhear is pardonable.
[He makes as if he hearkened, and then exit, as to go where he may better hear.
Enter Elvira and Blanca as in the antechamber, and Fernando peeping as from behind a door.
Don F. Here not a word can 'scape me.
Elv. Madam, you wrong my zeal in serving you,
Whilst you attribute to any other motive
My yesterday's behaviour.