Part 16 (1/2)

_Ant._ This is a strange world! What a simpleton is this Don Felix!

First he buys my secret at a heavy price, and then, after two minutes'

deliberation, declares that he will make no use of it, but that I must deliver the message that he gave me. I've no objection. I like to see my betters dismiss each other to the next world;--the more room for those who remain behind, and poor rogues like me are not so much jostled. This world is certainly much too full for comfort. Ah! here comes one that stands a chance of going out of it.

_Enter Don Gaspar._

_Gasp._ Antonio, I must for a time remain concealed. Don Perez is no more, and in this friar's gown, which I put on to elude the bravos, I have convinced the Donna Serafina of my death. Thus do I rid myself of her unwelcome love. Remember, should you meet your wife, I don't know which of them, you will keep my secret. You will remain here in charge till I return.

_Ant._ Most certainly, sir. But I had almost forgotten; I have a message which may interfere with your departure.

_Gasp._ From whom?

_Ant._ Don Felix, sir. The friend of him you slew last night.

_Gasp._ Well, what is this message?

_Ant._ One, sir, that will demand a life--or yours or his. It is so coa.r.s.ely worded that I dare not give it. It will too much provoke you.

_Gasp._ Give it me straight, and let me have it word for word.

_Ant._ He told me first, sir, that you were--a villain.

_Gasp._ (_catching Antonio by the throat_). How, sirrah?

_Ant._ It was not I who said so--'twas Don Felix.

_Gasp._ True. I was hasty. Now proceed.

_Ant._ A villain--of no parentage.

_Gasp._ What? scoundrel!

_Ant._ I have said too much, sir.--You'll excuse the rest.

_Gasp._ (_much irritated_). No, no, no--go on; leave out a word and I will murder you.

_Ant._ (_aside_). Then I stand a bad chance either way, not so amusing as I thought. (_Aloud._) He did say something else, but 'twas of no moment--

_Gasp._ (_putting his hand to his sword_). Your message, to the letter.

_Ant._ A vile impostor.

_Gasp._ (_striking him_). How?

_Ant._ Oh, mercy, sir! you take me for Don Felix.

_Gasp._ I am wrong. (_Throws his purse to Antonio._) You said a villain--of no parentage--a vile impostor--ha! was there any more?

_Ant._ Yes, sir; and which I think I may deliver without farther danger to myself. He added, ”If there's manhood in him, he will appoint a time and place, when and where I may meet him.”

_Gasp._ I ask no better. Tell him, this evening, at the copse of trees where Perez fell, he may expect me. Take my answer straight.

_Ant._ Shall I go now?