Part 7 (1/2)

_Gasp._ Then do it quickly; you've no time to lose. First let me tell you, sir, that had not reasons, and those the most cogent ones, forced me to hide my quality, I had not so long submitted to the doubts which are abroad. Still my secret is mine own and shall remain so. Who and what I am, Don Perez, you shall never know. You have not long to live; and now, sir, let me pa.s.s. We meet again when least you wish it.

_Felix._ Perez, indeed you are to blame. Don Gaspar has the right of every man to wear the incognito, either from choice or from necessity.

He has never intruded on your company, bears himself correctly, and wears the form and stamp of true n.o.bility. Thus much in justice must I say. If you must quarrel let your cause be good.

_Gasp._ Sir, I thank you (_bowing to Don Felix_).

_Perez._ Still do I hold my words, and challenge him impostor!

_Gasp._ Did you retract them it would not avail. But time is pressing, and I cannot wait.

_Perez._ When do we meet again?

_Gasp._ I said before, when least you wish it. (_To Don Felix_) Signor, farewell! [_Exit Gaspar._

_Perez._ By heavens! I hold him craven! Do you think that I shall hear from him?

_Felix._ Hear from him! I saw no signs of fear, but much of rage, and that but ill suppressed. In faith he is a n.o.ble cavalier! You'll hear, and see, and suffer from him too, or I mistake.

_Perez._ What did he say? when least I wished it?

_Felix._ Those were his words.

_Perez._ They're pregnant with some meaning.

_Felix._ No doubt--we'll ravel out this mystery as we walk. Come to the Prado: this smiling day will bring the fair ones forth. Come, come!

[_Exeunt._

_Scene IV._

_A Street before Anselmo's Lodgings._

_Enter Antonio._

What with the messages from my master's two mistresses, I am not a little puzzled to keep my two wives apart. I have spread a report of my absence by another channel, which will reach Nina; and, unless she comes for my effects, which Beppa surely would, there is no fear. Now must I wait for Sancho.

_Enter Beppa._

_Bep._ One is as sure to find you standing here, as to find the figure of our lady in the church.

_Ant._ I wish the likeness went further, and that the same presents were offered to me. I should be rich.

_Bep._ You will never be rich. You are not honest.

_Ant._ It is my poverty has made me otherwise.

_Bep._ And while you are otherwise you will be poor. You shut the only gate by which riches can enter.

_Ant._ And yet, good wife, I have occasionally seen great rogues ama.s.s great wealth.