Olla Podrida Part 7

_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.

_Bep._ Castles built upon the sand, without a good foundation!--a pile of industry heaped up in vain. But I have known you long, and it is useless to reason with you.

_Ant._ Pray, may I ask, what has made you in such a sermonising humour to-day?

_Bep._ No; but you may hear why I am come to you. I am sent to know if your rogue of a master comes to my lady to-night.

_Ant._ He does, to the best of my knowledge, and belief.

_Enter Sancho._

_Ant._ Sancho, I have been waiting for you (_to Sancho aside_). I'll speak to you directly (_pointing to Beppa_).

_Bep._ I'm sure there is mischief. I'll stay to plague him.

_Ant._ Well, Beppa, you have your answer, and I have no doubt but Donna Serafina is impatient.

_Bep._ She may be: but, Antonio, I want to put a question to you, now that I am here; who is that girl with whom I caught you the other day,--that Nina!

_San._ Saint Petronila! caught him with Nina? Why he's a married man and your husband.

_Bep._ I know he is, to my misfortune. Yet still he makes love to other women. I caught him kissing her.

_Ant._ (_aside_). Confound her!

_San._ Kissing her! (_To Antonio_) Your most obedient! Then I understand why you fought her husband.

_Bep._ Fought her husband did you say?

_San._ Yes, and killed him--a dirty rascal, whose name was----

_Ant._ (_putting his hand on Sancho's mouth_). Your honour, Sancho!

recollect your oath!

_San._ I had forgotten. Saint Petronila, refresh my memory! But this requires some little explanation.

_Ant._ And you shall have it, but not now. All's right.

_San._ All's right?

_Ant._ (_aside to Sancho_). Yes--this woman's jealous of her. As soon as she is gone I will explain the whole.

_Bep._ (_aside_). Now are there knavish tricks in practice. (_Aloud_) You know this Nina--this girl of his?

_San._ Why, yes--I know the woman.

_Bep._ Then if you do, tell her she's a shameless wanton, thus to seduce a married man, and that Antonio's wife will spoil her beauty if she come across her. You understand me?

_San._ Why, yes; it is very plain, by Saint Petronila!