Pao. There are very few like him; he is a fellow who is liked by every one ... particularly by girls’ mothers....
Ver. (aside). Could he have noticed anything?
Pao. He is very fortunate; but he deserves to be so....
Ver. (aside). He must have noticed. (Aloud.) I don’t understand....
Pao. Now, look here; Adolfo has no secrets from me.... How could he? We have been friends from childhood....
Ver. What is all this to lead up to?
Pao. This—that the poor old fellow has opened his whole heart to me, and has told me in particular that you are inclined to look on him with favour.
Ver. Infamous! To go and say so!
Pao. And he hopes ... yes, I say hopes, that you will grant his request.
Ver. (rising). What does he want of me?