Part 13

_Coronato._ I have not seen him yet, sir. I am sorry, because the dinner is ready, and the food will get spoilt.

_Count._ Evarist is capable of amusing himself shooting till evening, and making you lose your dinner.

_Baron._ What can I do? I promised to wait for him.

_Count._ Well, it's all very well to wait for him up to a certain point. But, my dear friend, it does not seem to me you should wait long for a person who is your social inferior. I admit the demands of politeness, of humanity; but, my dear colleague, let us also preserve our aristocratic decorum.

_Baron._ I feel half inclined to ask you to come and take Evarist's place.

_Count._ If you do not wish to wait for him, or if you dislike eating alone, come to my house and take pot-luck.

_Baron._ No, no, my dear Count. Do me the pleasure of dining with me. Let us go to table, and if Evarist is not punctual, that is his loss.

_Count._ [_Content._] It will teach him politeness.

_Baron._ [_To_ Coronato.] Tell them to serve.

_Coronato._ Yes, sir. [_Aside._] H'm, h'm! there'll be little left for the kitchen now.

_Baron._ I will go and see that they have prepared for our dinner. [_Enters._]

_Count._ [_To_ Coronato.] Have you taken the second barrel of wine?

_Coronato._ Yes, sir, I sent it to your house.

_Count._ You sent it! without going with it? I fear mischief.

_Coronato._ I will tell you. I accompanied the man until the turn of the road, where we met your servant.

_Count._ My steward?

_Coronato._ No, sir.

_Count._ My footman?

_Coronato._ No, sir.

_Count._ My lackey?

_Coronato._ No, sir.

_Count._ Who then?

_Coronato._ That man who lives with you, and sells your fruit, salad, vegetables.

_Count._ What! that man?

_Coronato._ Just so. I met him, showed him the barrel, and he accompanied my servant.

_Count._ [_Aside._] The devil! that fellow, who never sees wine, is capable of drinking up half the barrel. [_Goes towards the door._]

_Coronato._ Excuse me.

_Count._ What is it?

_Coronato._ Have you spoken for me to Nina?

_Count._ [_Embarrassed._] All right, all right!

_Coronato._ All right?

_Count._ [_Advancing towards the door._] We will speak about it after.

_Coronato._ But tell me one thing.

_Count._ Come, come, let me go in, so as not to keep the Baron waiting.

_Coronato._ [_Aside._] I have good hopes. He is a man, if he takes up a cause, to succeed with it--sometimes.--[_In loving yet harsh tones._] Nina! Nina!

[Nina _spins on and does not reply._]

_Coronato._ Allow me at least to salute you.

_Nina._ [_Without looking up._] You would do better to give me back my fan.

_Coronato._ Indeed!--[_Aside._] Oh, by the bye, I left that fan in the cellar!--Yes, yes, let us speak of that fan.--[_Aside._] I hope no one has carried it off. [_Goes into the house._]

[Crispino _laughs aloud._]

_Susanna._ You seem to have a light heart, Crispino, you laugh so merrily.

_Crispino._ I laugh because I have my reasons for laughing.

_Nina._ [_To_ Crispino.] You laugh, and I feel gnawed with anger.

_Crispino._ Anger? And what are you angry about?

_Nina._ That that fan should be in Coronato's hands.

_Crispino._ [_Laughing._] Yes, it is in Coronato's hands.

_Nina._ Then why do you laugh?

_Crispino._ I laugh because it is in Coronato's hands. [_Gets up and carries the remains of his meal into his workshop._]

_Nina._ What silly laughter!

_Susanna._ I never thought my fan would pass through so many hands.

_Nina._ [_Looking at her with amazement._] Your fan?

_Susanna._ Oh, I say my fan because it came from my shop.

_Nina._ I suppose you were paid for it?

_Susanna._ Of course, else I should not have given it.

_Nina._ And it will also have been paid double its worth?

_Susanna._ Not so; and even were it so, what does it matter to you? For what it cost you, you can accept it.

_Nina._ How do you know what it costs me?

_Susanna._ [_Sarcastically and pointedly._] Oh, I don't know what it cost you, nor whether he who gave it you has great obligations towards you.

_Nina._ What obligations? What do you mean by obligations? Do I meddle in your affairs?

_Susanna._ There, there, don't excite yourself! You don't intimidate me with your fury!

_Crispino._ [_From out the shop._] What's the matter? Incessant bickerings, incessant high words.

_Susanna._ She makes side hits and expects one to keep silent.

_Crispino._ Are you angry, Nina?

_Nina._ I angry? I am never angry!

_Susanna._ Oh, she loves peace, and never excites herself!

_Nina._ Never, except when I am teased, if I have to hear impertinences, if I am trampled under foot.

[Susanna _mutters to herself._]

_Crispino._ Is it I who ill-treat you, tease you, trample you under foot?

_Nina._ [_Spinning sulkily._] I am not speaking of you.

_Susanna._ No, she does not refer to you, she refers to me.

_Crispino._ One might really say it is an art to live for five minutes in peace on this square.

_Nina._ When evil tongues are abroad.

_Crispino._ Quiet! it is shameful.

_Susanna._ One is to be insulted, and then not speak.

_Nina._ I speak reasonably.

_Susanna._ Better I should be silent.

_Nina._ Certainly it is better to be silent than say foolish things.

_Crispino._ You will always have the last word.

_Nina._ Yes; and were I in my grave--

[Timoteo _from out the villa with cups and bottles._]

_Nina._ He who wants me, takes me as I am, and who does not want me, leaves me alone!

_Crispino._ Do be quiet at last!

_Timoteo._ [_Aside._] I won't go again into that house. Is it my fault that these waters don't help? I can only give what I have. They expect to find all the refinements of town in a village. And then what are spirits, cordials, essences? So many quack remedies. The corner-stones of an apothecary are, water, quinine, mercury. [_Goes into his shop._]

_Crispino._ Some one must be ill at the villa.

_Nina._ [_With contempt._] Yes, that dear jewel of a Signorina Candida!

_Susanna._ Poor Signorina Candida!

_Crispino._ What is the matter with her?

_Susanna._ [_Pointedly._] Nina should know something about it.

_Nina._ I? What have I to do with it?

_Susanna._ Because she is ill on your account.

_Nina._ On my account! [_Springs to her feet._]

_Susanna._ Oh, one cannot speak quietly with you.

_Crispino._ I should like to know what all this means. [_Gets up from his work._]

_Nina._ [_To_ Susanna.] You are only able to say silly things!

_Susanna._ There, there, don't excite yourself.

_Crispino._ [_To_ Nina.] Let her speak.

_Nina._ Well, speak, then.

_Susanna._ I won't say anything more to you!

_Nina._ If you have any sense of honour, speak.

_Susanna._ If matters are thus, well, I will.

_Crispino._ Quiet there! Signora Geltrude is approaching. No scenes before her.

_Nina._ She shall give me an explanation!

## SCENE III.

Geltrude _from the villa. The above._

_Geltrude._ [_Gravely._] Is your brother returned?

_Nina._ [_Ungraciously, and turning away._] Yes, he is.

_Geltrude._ [_As above._] Has Signor Evarist returned also?

_Nina._ [_As above._] Yes, he has.

_Geltrude._ Do you know where he is?

_Nina._ [_With annoyance._] I know nothing! Good day. [_Enters the house._]

_Geltrude._ What manners!--Crispino!

_Crispino._ [_Rises._] Madame?

_Geltrude._ Do you know where to find Signor Evarist?

_Crispino._ No, Madame, in truth I do not.

_Geltrude._ Do me the favour to go and see if he is in the inn.

_Crispino._ Certainly. [_Goes towards the inn._]

_Susanna._ [_Softly._] Signora Geltrude!

_Geltrude._ What would you?

_Susanna._ One word.

_Geltrude._ Do you know nothing about Signor Evarist?

_Susanna._ Ah, Madame, I know many things. I have many things to tell you.

_Geltrude._ Alas! I too have much to disquiet me; I have seen letters that surprise me! Speak, enlighten me if you can.

_Susanna._ But here, in public! Shall I not come to your house?

_Geltrude._ I first want to see Signor Evarist.

_Susanna._ Will you then step into my shop?

_Geltrude._ Yes, rather let us do that. But first let us await Signor Evarist.

_Susanna._ There he is!

_Crispino._ [_From the inn._] He is not there. They expected him to dinner, and he has not come.

_Geltrude._ Yet he must have come back from shooting.

_Crispino._ Oh yes, he came back; I saw him.

_Geltrude._ Where can he be?

_Susanna._ He is not at the cafe either.

_Crispino._ Nor at the apothecary's.

_Geltrude._ Let us search a little. The village is not so large. Look about, we must discover him.

_Crispino._ I will set off at once!

_Geltrude._ If you find him, tell him I want much to speak to him, and that I wait for him in Susanna's shop.

[Crispino _goes._]

_Geltrude._ [_Enters_ Susanna's _shop._] Now I am ready and anxious to hear you.

_Susanna._ Well, well, you will hear nice things.

_Crispino._ There is something wrong about this Signor Evarist. And then this fan--I am glad I have got it. Coronato noticed it was gone, I suppose. He is scarcely likely to suspect me. No one will have told him that I went to buy some wine. I went just in time. I found the fan a-top of the barrel. Silly fellow! And while his man filled my flask, I pocketed the fan! I shall take pretty good care not to confess that I took it. He is capable of calling me a thief. But where am I to look for this gentleman? Not at the Count's, for he is dining in there. In the village? I am sorry I am not enlightened as to Susanna's meaning. But I will get to the bottom of it. And if I find Nina guilty--Well, and what shall I do then? Cast her off? I don't know. I love her too much. What can it all be?

## SCENE IV.

Crispino _and_ Limonato _from the cafe. Then_ Coronato.

_Crispino._ Do you know where Signor Evarist is?

_Limonato._ I! why should I? I am not his servant.

_Crispino._ Don't excite yourself thus. Might he not happen to be at your place?

_Limonato._ Then you would see him.

_Crispino._ Out upon you, you lemonade manufacturer!

_Limonato._ What does this mean?

_Crispino._ Wait till your shoes want cobbling again. [_Exit._

_Limonato._ The wretch! Shall I tell him Signor Evarist is in our garden? No, he is only just comforted, why disturb him again? Hi, host!

_Coronato._ [_At his door._] What would you?

_Limonato._ Signor Evarist sends me. Tell the Baron he is not to wait dinner for him; he is busy, and does not wish to be disturbed.

_Coronato._ Tell him the notice comes too late. The Baron has nearly done his dinner.

_Limonato._ All right. [_About to go._]

_Coronato._ And if you hear that some one has found a fan, let me know.

_Limonato._ With pleasure. Have you lost one?

_Coronato._ Yes; I don't know how. A rogue carried it off, and my stupid cellarman can't tell me who came to fetch wine. But if I discover him, then--Good-day. [_Exit._

_Limonato._ I will do my best. [_Exit._

## SCENE V.

_The_ Count _at the window of the inn. The above._

_Count._ I heard Limonato's voice. Hi, Limonato!

_Limonato._ Sir?

_Count._ Two cups of coffee!

_Limonato._ Excuse me, for whom?

_Count._ For me and the Baron. [_Disappears._]

_Limonato._ At once!--[_Aside._] Now I know the Baron is inside and pays, he shall have the coffee.

_Nina._ Hi, Limonato!

_Limonato._ And what do you want?

_Nina._ Is Signor Evarist still with you?

_Limonato._ How with me?

_Nina._ Yes, with you.

_Limonato._ There is the cafe, if he were there, you would see him.

_Nina._ Bah! I mean in the garden.

_Limonato._ Bah! I don't know anything. [_Exit._

_Nina._ Rude fellow! And people say I am irritable! How can I help it, when all tease, all maltreat me?--those ladies, that creature over there, Coronato, Moracchio, Limonato, and Crispino. I can bear it no longer.

## SCENE VI.

Evarist _running excitedly out of the cafe. The above._

_Evarist._ [_To_ Nina.] There she is, there she is! Now I am happy!

_Nina._ What does this joy mean?

_Evarist._ Oh, Nina, I am the happiest, the most contented man in the world!

_Nina._ I am glad to hear it. I hope, then, you will make up to me for all I have had to endure on your account.

_Evarist._ Anything you wish! Know, Nina, that they suspected that I loved you. Signorina Candida knew I had given you the fan, thought I had bought it for you, was jealous of me, was jealous of you!

_Nina._ Was jealous of me?

_Evarist._ Precisely; and to avenge herself, and in despair, she was about to marry another. She saw me, and fell down lifeless in a faint. Happily, a moment after her aunt left the house, Candida went into the garden. I climbed over the hedge, sprang over the wall, fell at her feet, wept, swore, implored, called all the saints to witness, and convinced her. She is mine, is mine, and will be mine in all eternity!

_Nina._ I congratulate you. I am glad to hear it, sir.

_Evarist._ One only condition she makes in order to be quite convinced of my love.

_Nina._ And that is?--

_Evarist._ In order that I may justify myself and you also, it is needful that you give her the fan.

_Nina._ Oh dear, oh dear!

_Evarist._ My honour and your own are at stake. It would seem otherwise as if I had really bought the fan for you. She must be relieved of every suspicion. I know you are a sensible girl, therefore give me back that fan.

_Nina._ But, sir, I have it no longer.

_Evarist._ Why tell this lie? I gave it you, and I would not ask it back did not my whole life's happiness hang on it. I will buy you another, far better and more beautiful. But, for Heaven's sake, give me back that fan, and quickly too!

_Nina._ Oh, if I but had it!

_Evarist._ Nina, I repeat, our honour is at stake.

_Nina._ I swear I no longer have the fan!

_Evarist._ Oh, heavens! And what did you do with it?

_Nina._ Oh, they knew I had the fan, and forced me to give it up by violence.

_Evarist._ Who?

_Nina._ My brother.

_Evarist._ [_Goes towards the house and calls._] Moracchio!

_Nina._ No, stop! He has not got it!

_Evarist._ Who, then?

_Nina._ He gave it to Crispino.

_Evarist._ [_Runs towards the workshop._] Crispino!

_Nina._ Stop and listen, I say!

_Evarist._ I am beside myself.

_Nina._ Crispino no longer has it either.

_Evarist._ Heaven and hell, who has it then? Quick!

_Nina._ That rogue of a Coronato.

_Evarist._ Coronato! hi, host, Coronato!

_Coronato._ Yes, sir?

_Evarist._ Give here that fan.

_Coronato._ What fan?

_Nina._ That which you stole.

_Evarist._ Out with it! Quick!

_Coronato._ Sir, I am sincerely sorry, but--

_Evarist._ How so? What is this?

_Coronato._ I can no longer find it.

_Evarist._ Not find it!

_Coronato._ I stupidly forgot it in the cellar, and went away. When I came back, it had vanished. Some one must have stolen it.

_Evarist._ Look for it!

_Coronato._ I have searched the whole house, in vain.

_Evarist._ I will pay you whatever you like for it!

_Coronato._ But if it is gone--I tell you it is gone.

_Evarist._ I am in despair!

_Coronato._ I am most sorry, but I can do nothing. [_Exit._

_Evarist._ It is all your fault! You are my misfortune!

_Nina._ I? And how am I to blame in it all?

## SCENE VII.

Candida _on the terrace. The above._

_Candida._ [_Calling him._] Signor Evarist!

_Evarist._ There she is, there she is! Oh, I am in despair!

_Nina._ What, what! the world is not come to an end because of this!

_Candida._ [_Calls more loudly._] Signor Evarist!

_Evarist._ Oh, Candida, my dearest! I am the most miserable, the most wretched man in the world!

_Candida._ What! you can't get the fan?

_Nina._ [_Aside._] She guesses it at once!

_Evarist._ If you knew what a coil of complications, and all to my injury! It is too true, the fan is lost, and it is not possible to find it as yet.

_Candida._ Oh, I know where it is!

_Evarist._ Where? where? If you could give us some hint!

_Nina._ [_To_ Evarist.] Who knows? Some one may have found it.

_Candida._ The fan will be in the hands of her to whom you gave it, and who will not give it up, and she is right.

_Nina._ [_To_ Candida.] This is not true.

_Candida._ Be silent!

_Evarist._ I swear to you on my honour--

_Candida._ It is enough! My decision is made! I am astonished at you, to prefer a peasant girl to me. [_Exit._

_Nina._ Peasant girl! What does she mean?

_Evarist._ I swear to Heaven, you are the cause of all my miseries, which will be my death! She has decided! Well, I have decided too; I will await my rival here, and will challenge him. Either he or I must fall! And all this is your fault, Nina!

_Nina._ I go, or I shall lose my reason. [_She turns slowly towards her house._]

_Evarist._ How passion consumes me! My heart thumps, my brain is in a whirl, my breath comes heavily. I can scarcely stand! Oh, who will help me? [_He staggers towards a chair._]

_Nina._ [_Turns round and sees him._] What is this? What do I see? He is dying! Help, help! Here, Moracchio! here, Limonato!

## SCENE VIII.

Limonato _from the cafe with two cups on a tray._ Moracchio _runs from his house to succour_ Evarist.

_Crispino._ [_Comes out of the side street._] Oh, there is Signor Evarist. But what is the matter?

_Nina._ Water, water!

_Crispino._ Wine, wine!

_Limonato._ Give him wine. I will just carry these cups to the inn.

_Moracchio._ Courage, courage, sir! He is in love; that is his malady.

_Timoteo._ [_Comes out of his shop._] What is the matter?

_Moracchio._ Come here, Timoteo.

_Nina._ Yes, do you help.

_Timoteo._ What is the matter?

_Nina._ He has fainted.

_Timoteo._ There I can help.

_Nina._ The poor gentleman, he is in love.

_Crispino._ [_With a bottle of wine._] Here, here! that will restore him to life--five-year-old wine.

_Nina._ He is reviving!

_Crispino._ Oh, this wine would make the dead rise!

_Moracchio._ Courage, courage, sir, I say!

_Timoteo._ [_With bottles, glasses, and a razor._] Here I am. Quick, undress him!

_Moracchio._ What is the razor for?

_Timoteo._ In case of need, it is better than a lancet.

_Crispino._ A razor?

_Nina._ What?

_Evarist._ [_Gets up._] Oh ho! who wants to cut my throat with a razor?

_Nina._ The apothecary.

_Timoteo._ Excuse me; I am an honest man, and no assassin. When one has the best intentions, it is not right to make one appear ridiculous. See whether I will come another time. [_Exit._

_Moracchio._ Won't you step into my house, sir, and rest on my bed?

_Evarist._ Wherever you like.

_Moracchio._ Take my arm and lean on me.

_Evarist._ Oh, how much rather I would that my miserable life were ended! [_Walks off, leaning on_ Moracchio.]

_Nina._ [_Aside._] If he wanted to die, he could not have done better than give himself up to the apothecary.

_Moracchio._ Here we are at the door. Let us go in.

_Evarist._ Useless kindness to him who only asks to die. [_They enter._]

_Moracchio._ Nina, get the bed ready for Signor Evarist.

_Crispino._ [_As she is going to enter, calls her._] Nina!

_Nina._ What is it?

_Crispino._ You are wonderfully compassionate for this gentleman.

_Nina._ I do my duty, because you and I are the cause of his illness.

_Crispino._ Speak for yourself, there I can't answer. But I? What have I to do with him?

_Nina._ Because of that accursed fan. [_Goes in._]

_Crispino._ Accursed fan, indeed! I have now heard it named millions of times! But I am glad to think I did Coronato. He is my enemy, and will be so till Nina is my wife. But what now? I could bury this fan in the ground; but if it be trodden on, it will break. What shall I do with it. [_Pulls out the fan._]

[Limonato _crosses from his cafe to the inn._]

_Count._ [_From out the inn._] The dinner was excellent! For once I have eaten my fill.

_Crispino._ [_Aside._] Ho, ho, the Count. Shall I--Yes, that will be the best way. [_Advances towards him, fan in hand._]

_Count._ What is that you have in your hand?

_Crispino._ A fan. I found it on the ground.

_Count._ [_Takes it._] A lady must have lost it in passing by. What will you do with it?

_Crispino._ I really don't know.

_Count._ Do you want to sell it?

_Crispino._ Sell it? I should not know what to ask for it. What may it be worth?

_Count._ I don't know, for I don't understand such things. There are figures painted on it; but a fan found in the country can't be worth much.

_Crispino._ I wish it were worth very much.

_Count._ In order to sell it well?

_Crispino._ No, certainly not; but only in order to offer it to your honour.

_Count._ To me! You want to give it to me?

_Crispino._ But as it seems of no value--

_Count._ Oh no; it is not bad, and seems quite decent. Thank you, my friend. Whenever I can be of use to you, count on my protection.--[_Aside._] I shall give it away.

_Crispino._ But one thing I beg of you.

_Count._ [_Aside._] Didn't I think so! This class of people gives nothing for nothing!--Well, what is it? Speak.

_Crispino._ I beg you to tell no one that I gave it to you.

_Count._ Is that all?

_Crispino._ All.

_Count._ If it's nothing but that--[_Aside._] He is cautious. But, my good friend, why should people not know? Have you perchance stolen it?

_Crispino._ Excuse me. I am not capable of that.

_Count._ Then why should no one know it comes from you? If you have found it, and the owner does not turn up, I don't see why--

_Crispino._ [_Laughing._] And yet I have my reasons.

_Count._ And they are?--

_Crispino._ Well, I am in love.

_Count._ I know it. With Nina.

_Crispino._ And if Nina knew I had this fan, and did not give it to her, she would be angry.

_Count._ Just as well for her not to have it. This is no fan for a country girl. Do not fear; I shall not betray you. But that reminds me, how do matters stand with you and Nina? Do you really mean to marry her?

_Crispino._ I confess I desire her as my wife.

_Count._ Well, then, you shall have her. This very evening, if you like, we will celebrate the wedding.

_Crispino._ Really, you are in earnest?

_Count._ In earnest. Who am I? What is meant by my protection? I am almighty!

_Crispino._ But Coronato wants her also.

_Count._ Coronato! Who is Coronato? A stupid fellow! Does she love you?

_Crispino._ Yes, dearly.

_Count._ Good, then: you are loved, Coronato is not. Depend on my protection.

_Crispino._ Most certainly. But--her brother?

_Count._ Brother! what brother? what of him? If the sister is satisfied, the brother has nothing to say. Depend entirely on my protection.

_Crispino._ By Saint Crispin!

_Count._ There now, go back to your work, that my shoes may get done at last.

_Crispino._ As your Honour desires.

[Count _examines the fan._]