Scene I.
Scene I.
Crispinocomes out of his shop, with bread, cheese, and a bottle of wine, seats himself on the bench, and breakfasts.Togninocomes out ofGeltrude'svilla with a broom, and crosses to the pharmacy.CoronatoandScavezzocome out of the inn; the latter carries a barrel on his shoulders; the former passesCrispino, looks at him and laughs. Then both go off.Crispinolooks after him and clenches his fist.Tognino, issuing from the pharmacy, sweeps the square.Timoteowith glasses and bottles hurries across to the villa.Crispinohas emptied his wine-bottle, and goes into the inn.Susannacomes out of her shop, seats herself to do some needlework.Togninooff into the villa.Crispinocomes back, his bottle refilled. He draws the fan from his pocket, looks at it smiling, and seats himself again.Ninaalso seats herself outside her door to spin.Crispinohides the fan under his leather apron, and goes on eating.Coronatocomes back, passesCrispino, and smiles.Crispinosmiles also.Coronato, arrived at his own door, turns round once more to look atCrispinoand smile, then enters.Crispinolaughs too, takes up the fan, looks at it with pleasure, and then hides it again.CountandBaroncoming out ofGertrude'svilla.Count.No excuse! my friend, that should not vex you.Baron.I assure you it can't please me either.Count.If Signorina Candida felt ill, that was an accident; you must excuse. You know women are subject to vapours and nervous attacks.Baron.But when we went in she was not ill, and scarcely did she see me than she retired to her room.Count.Because she felt it coming on.Baron.And then, did you notice Signora Geltrude when she came out of her niece's room, with what attention, what interest she read some papers that seemed letters.Count.She is a woman who has much business on her hands, and a large correspondence. Doubtless they were letters just arrived.Baron.No; they were old papers. I bet anything they were something she had found either on the table or on the person of Signorina Candida.Count.Dear friend, your suspicions are strange! Your imagination runs away with you!Baron.I imagine that which doubtless is the case. I suspect that an understanding exists between Signorina Candida and Evarist.Count.Impossible! Were it so, I should know it. I know everything! There is nothing done in the village that I do not know! And further, were it as you think, do you suppose Signorina Candida would ever have accepted your proposal? How can you suppose she would thus compromise the mediation of a nobleman of my standing?Baron.Oh, for that a good reason can be found. She was forced to say "Yes;" but Signora Geltrude was not as amiable to me after reading those letters; indeed, she seemed to me to show pleasure that we should go.Count.Well, I think that all we have to complain of against Signora Geltrude is, that she did not ask us to stay to dinner with her.Baron.To that I am indifferent.Count.I gave her some hints, but she pretended not to understand.Baron.I assure you she was most anxious we should leave.Count.I am sorry for you. Where will you dine to-day?Baron.I told the host to prepare dinner for two.Count.For two?Baron.I expect Evarist, who has gone shooting.Count.If you will come and dine with me—Baron.With you?Count.But my dinner is half a mile from here.Baron.Thank you, but the dinner is already ordered. Hi there, Coronato!Scene II.Coronatofrom out the inn. The above.Coronato.You called me?Baron.Has Signor Evarist returned?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.[ToCoronato.] 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.[ToCoronato.] 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![Ninaspins 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.][Crispinolaughs 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.[ToCrispino.] 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.[Susannamutters 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—[Timoteofrom 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.[ToSusanna.] You are only able to say silly things!Susanna.There, there, don't excite yourself.Crispino.[ToNina.] 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.Geltrudefrom 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 café 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.[Crispinogoes.]Geltrude.[EntersSusanna'sshop.] 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.CrispinoandLimonatofrom the café. ThenCoronato.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.TheCountat 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 café, 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.Evaristrunning excitedly out of the café. The above.Evarist.[ToNina.] 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.Candidaon 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.[ToEvarist.] 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.[ToCandida.] 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.Limonatofrom the café with two cups on a tray. Moracchioruns from his house to succourEvarist.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 onMoracchio.]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.][Limonatocrosses from his café 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.[Countexamines the fan.]Crispino.[Aside.] The devil a bit! I forgot that Signora Geltrude sent me to look for Signor Evarist, and now I have found him and not told her. But his illness—the fan—in short, I forgot! I will call him, but I don't like to go to Moracchio's house. I will go to the Signora Geltrude and tell her Signor Evarist is found, and she is to have him called, only not by me. [Goes off towards the draper's shop.]Count.What can it cost? Not much. Were it more choice, I would give it to Signorina Candida, who broke her own. But why should I not? It is not half bad.Nina.[At the window.] Where is Crispino? Not there!Count.The figures are badly painted, but it seems to me they are well drawn.Nina.Oh, what do I see! The fan is in the Count's hands! Quick, quick, to wake Signor Evarist!Count.And who refuses a gift? She shall have it.Scene IX.Count. Baronfrom the inn. ThenTognino.Baron.What! you abandon me?Count.I saw you were not inclined to talk.Baron.Yes, it is true. I can't resign myself. Tell me, do you think we might go now and try to see those ladies once more.Count.Why not? I have a happy thought! Shall I make you a present,—a present that will make you cut a good figure in Signorina Candida's eyes?Baron.What is this present?Count.You know she broke her fan this morning.Baron.Yes, I heard of it.Count.Here is a fan. Let us go and find her and give her this one from you. [Gives it to theBaron.] Look, it is not ugly.Baron.You want me then to—Count.Yes, you give it. I do not want to have any merit in the matter. I leave all the honour to you.Baron.I gladly accept this excuse, but you will at least let me know what it cost?Count.Oh, a trifle.Baron.Nevertheless, kindly tell me the price.Count.But to what end? Did you not give me a present of two pistols?Baron.I do not know what to say. Well, I accept your present gratefully.—[Aside.] Where did he find this fan? It seems to me impossible that he bought it.Count.Well, what do you say to it? Isn't it a pretty thing? And just in the nick of time! Oh, I understand these things, I have much experience. I am well provided. There is a whole room full of nick-nacks for ladies. But do not let us waste time. Let us go. [Rings atSignora Geltrude'shouse.]Tognino.[From the terrace.] What do you wish, gentlemen?Count.Will the ladies receive us?Tognino.Signora Geltrude is out, and Signorina Candida is resting in her room.Count.Let us know as soon as she is awake.Tognino.Yes, sir.[Exit.Count.Did you hear?Baron.Well, we must just wait. I have to write a letter to Milan; I will go and write it at the apothecary's. If you will come too—Count.No; I don't like going to that man's house. Go and write your letter, and I will wait here till the servant calls us.Baron.Very well. As soon as you want me, I am at your service.Count.Count on me, do not fear.Baron.[Aside.] I do not count on him, and still less on the aunt, and yet less on the niece. [Goes toTimoteo's.]Count.I will amuse myself with my book, with my beautiful collection of wonderful fables. [Pulls out his book, seats himself, and reads.]SCENE X.Count. Evaristcomes out ofNina'shouse.Evarist.Oh, there he is still! I thought he was gone. I can't think how I was able to fall asleep amid so much distress of mind. Fatigue—exhaustion. Now I feel born anew with the hopes of having back the fan.—[Calls.] Count, your servant.Count.[Reading and smiling.] Your servant, Signor Evarist.Evarist.Will you permit me to say a few words?Count.[As above.] In a moment I am at your disposal.Evarist.[Aside.] If he has not got the fan in his hand, I don't know how to begin speaking about it.Count.[Gets up laughing, and pockets his book.] Here I am, at your services.Evarist.[Searching with his eyes for the fan.] I should be sorry if I have disturbed you.Count.It does not matter, I will finish reading my fable another time.Evarist.[As above.] I should not like you to think me impertinent.Count.What are you looking at? Have I some spot about me?Evarist.Excuse me, I was told you had a fan.Count.[Confused.] A fan! It is true. Was it perchance you who lost it?Evarist.Yes, sir, I lost it.Count.But there are many fans in the world. How do you know it is yours?Evarist.If you would have the kindness to show it to me?Count.My friend, I am sorry you come too late.Evarist.How too late?Count.The fan is no longer in my possession.Evarist.What?Count.No; I gave it away.Evarist.And pray to whom?Count.That is just what I would rather not tell you.Evarist.Count, I must know! I must have back that fan, and I will know who has it now!Count.I will not tell!Evarist.Heavens and earth, but you shall tell!Count.Do not forget who I am!Evarist.[Angrily.] I say it, and I will maintain it! This is an ungentlemanly action!Count.Do you know that I have a couple of loaded pistols?Evarist.What do I care about your pistols? I want my fan!Count.How absurd! So much eagerness and noise for a bit of a fan which is worth perhaps five paoli!Evarist.Let it be worth whatever it is worth, you cannot know that for me it is priceless. I would give twenty ducats to have it!Count.You would give twenty ducats!Evarist.If I tell you so, I promise it! If you can get it back I will gladly sacrifice twenty ducats.Count.[Aside.] The devil! It must be painted by Titian or Raphael of Urbino.—I will see if I can get you back the fan.Evarist.If the owner likes to sell it for twenty ducats, I repeat I am willing.Count.Had I the fan, such a proposal would offend me.Evarist.But perchance it will not offend its present owner.Count.Perchance, who knows? My friend, I assure you, I am quite confused.Evarist.Let us do like this, Count. This is a gold snuff-box whose weight alone represents a worth of over twenty ducats. Its workmanship makes it worth twice as much. Never mind; for that fan I will willingly give this box. Here it is!Count.[Holding the box in his hand.] Are there perhaps diamonds on that fan? I noticed nothing.Evarist.It is not of the faintest value, but it is of worth to me.Count.Then I must try and satisfy you.Evarist.I beg of you!Count.Await me here.—[Aside.] I am quite confused.—But am I to give the box in exchange?Evarist.Yes, yes, give it!Count.Wait. [Walks a few steps.] And if the person gives me the fan, and does not want the box?Evarist.I have given it to you. Do what you like with your property.Count.In earnest?Evarist.In earnest.Count.[Aside.] After all, the Baron is a gentleman and my friend. Because of the twenty ducats I would not accept it, but a gold snuff-box—that gives an aristocratic, refined, well-to-do air.—[Aloud.] Wait for me here. [Goes into the pharmacy.]Evarist.To justify myself in her eyes I would sacrifice my life, my heart's blood!Scene XI.Crispinofrom out ofSusanna'sshop. The above.Then theCount,afterNina.Crispino.Oh, there he is! Sir, your servant. Signora Geltrude wishes to speak with you. She is here in the shop, and begs you to have the kindness to step in there. She expects you.Evarist.Tell her I am at her service in one moment. I must urgently speak to some one before.Crispino.Yes, sir. And how are you now—better?Evarist.Much better, I am glad to say.Crispino.I am delighted to hear it. And Nina is well?Evarist.I think so.Crispino.She is a good girl, is Nina.Evarist.Yes, indeed, and I know she loves you dearly.Crispino.And I love her too, but—Evarist.But what?Crispino.I have been told certain things.Evarist.Concerning me, perhaps?Crispino.To say the truth, yes, sir.Evarist.Friend, I am a gentleman, and your Nina is a good, honest girl.Crispino.I think so too. There are always evil tongues about.[Count,coming out of the pharmacy.]Evarist.There now! Go to Signora Geltrude and tell her I shall come directly.Crispino.Yes, sir. [Walks away.] I feel easy now that nothing is wrong here.—[Aloud as he passes theCount.] I commend myself to you on behalf of Nina.Count.Count on my protection!Crispino.I desire it earnestly. [Goes into the shop.]Evarist.Well, Count?Count.Here is the fan. [He shows it him.]Evarist.[Seizes it eagerly.] Oh, what happiness! How greatly I am obliged to you!Count.Look whether it be yours.Evarist.Beyond a doubt. [Wishes to move off.]Count.And the snuff-box?Evarist.Do not let us name that. I am but too grateful. [Off toSusanna'sshop.]Count.What it means not to understand things perfectly! I thought it a common fan, and now it seems it is worth so much,—so much, in fact, that it is worth exchanging against a gold snuff-box. No doubt the Baron would have liked the box. He was vexed that I asked for the fan back, but when I said I would present it in his name, he was mollified a little. I will now go and buy one like it.Crispino.[Returning.] Well, this job is done. I like to serve Signora Geltrude. So you give me good hopes, Count?Count.Most excellent hopes! To-day is a fortunate day for me, and all I do in it succeeds.Crispino.Let us hope this will succeed too.Count.Most undoubtedly! Hi, Nina!Nina.[Comes out of her house testily.] What do you want now?Count.Do not be angered so quickly. I want to do you a service. I want to marry you.Nina.I don't need you for that.Count.With some one to your taste.Nina.And I say no!Count.With Crispino.Nina.With Crispino?Count.Aha, what do you say now?Nina.With all my heart!Count.There, Crispino, you see what my protection means!Crispino.Yes, sir, I see.Scene XII.Moracchiofrom the house. The above.Moracchio.What are you doing here?Nina.What does it matter to you?Count.Nina is going to be married under the ægis of my protection.Moracchio.As you like, sir; and she must consent, whether she like it or no.Nina.[Gravely.] Oh, I will consent dutifully.Moracchio.The better for you!Nina.And to show you I consent, I will give my hand to Crispino.Moracchio.[Amazed.] But—Count—Count.[Placidly.] Let them be.Moracchio.But, Count, did you not give your word to Coronato?Scene XIII.Coronatofrom the inn. The above.Coronato.Who is talking about me?Moracchio.Come here, and behold! The Count wants my sister to marry—Coronato.[Anxiously.] Count!Count.I am a just man and a nobleman, a sensible protector and human. Nina does not want you, and I cannot, and must not, and will not use violence!Nina.And I want Crispino, though the whole world oppose it!Coronato.[ToMoracchio.] And what say you?Moracchio.[ToCoronato.] And what say you?Coronato.I don't care a fig! Who does not want me, does not deserve me!Nina.That is the saying.Count.[ToCrispino.] See the results of my protection!Coronato.Count, I have sent the second barrel of wine.Count.Bring me the bill, and I will pay it. [While speaking, he pulls out the gold snuff-box, and ostentatiously takes snuff.]Coronato.[Aside.] He has a gold snuff-box—he can pay.[Exit.Moracchio.[ToNina.] Well, you have had your way after all.Nina.So it seems.Moracchio.And if you repent, it will be your affair.Count.She will never need to repent. She has my protection.Moracchio.Bread seems to me better than protection.[Exit.Count.And when shall we hold the wedding?Crispino.Soon.Nina.Yes, soon.Scene XIV.Baronfrom the pharmacy. The above.Baron.Well, Count, have you seen Signorina Candida, and have you given her the fan? Why would you not let me have the pleasure of giving it her myself?Nina.[Aside.] What! Signor Evarist has not got it!Count.I have not yet seen Signorina Candida, and as for the fan, I have others, and have destined a better one for her. Oh, here is Signora Geltrude!Scene XV.Geltrude, Evarist,andSusanna,all three come out ofSusanna'sshop.Geltrude.[ToSusanna.] Do me the favour of telling my niece to come down. I must speak to her.Susanna.I go at once. [Goes to the villa, knocks, they open, she enters.]Geltrude.[Softly toEvarist.] I do not wish the Count and the Baron to go into the house.Count.Signora Geltrude, the Baron and I were just about to visit you.Geltrude.I am obliged for the polite intention. The evening is so fine, we can talk out of doors.Baron.So you have come back, Signor Evarist?Evarist.[Curtly.] As you see.Scene XVI.The above.Candida.Candida.What does my aunt wish?Geltrude.Let us take a few turns.Candida.[Aside.] Why, there is the false Evarist!Geltrude.But why have you got no fan?Candida.Don't you remember I broke mine this morning?Geltrude.Ah, yes, true; if we could find another.Baron.[Whispers toCount.] Now is the time to give it.Count.[Aside.] No, not in public.Geltrude.Signor Evarist, you do not happen by chance to have one?Evarist.Here it is, at your service. [He shows it toGeltrude,but does not give it to her.][Candidaturns aside contemptuously.]Baron.[Softly to theCount.] Your fan! out with your fan!Count.[As above.] Don't poke me so!Baron.[As above.] Out with it, I say!Count.[As above.] Not now, not now!Geltrude.Niece, won't you accept Signor Evarist's polite offer?Candida.No, aunt, excuse me; I don't need it.Count.[ToBaron.] You see, she does not accept it!Baron.[ToCount.] Give it me at once!Count.[ToBaron.] Do you mean to pick a quarrel?Geltrude.May I ask why you will not accept this fan?Candida.Because it is not mine; because it was not meant for me. It would not become either you or me were I to accept it.Geltrude.Signor Evarist, can you answer this?Evarist.I can if I may.Candida.Excuse me. [Turns to leave.]Geltrude.Stay here! I command it. [Candida obeys.]Baron.[ToCount.] What is all this imbroglio?Count.[ToBaron.] I know nothing about it all.Evarist.Susanna, do you know this fan?Susanna.Yes, sir. It is that you bought from me this morning. I most imprudently concluded you had bought it for Nina. I confess I was wrong, but appearances were against you, for in truth you gave the fan to the girl.Evarist.Nina, why did I give you that fan?Nina.That I might give it to Signorina Candida; but when I went to do so, the ladies would not let me speak, and turned me out of the house. I then wanted to give it back to you, and you would not have it, so I gave it to Crispino.Crispino.And I fell down, and Coronato took it.Evarist.But where is Coronato? How did it leave Coronato's hands?Crispino.Don't call him! As he is not there, I will tell the truth. I was annoyed, went into the inn to fetch wine, saw it lying about, and carried it off.Evarist.And what did you do with it then?Crispino.I gave it to the Count.Count.And I gave it to the Baron.Baron.[Contemptuously.] And then took it back again!Count.Yes, and restored it to Signor Evarist.Evarist.And I present it to Signorina Candida.[Candidaaccepts it with a deep courtesy, smiling sweetly.]Baron.What comedy is all this? what complication have we here? Am I made ridiculous through your fault?Count.I swear to Heaven, Signor Evarist, I swear to Heaven—Evarist.Come, come, Count, do not distress yourself. We are friends. Give me a pinch of snuff.Count.[Offers him the box.] Yes, I am like that; if I am treated well, I don't excite myself.Baron.You may not, but I do.Geltrude.Baron!Baron.And you, too, helped to make me ridiculous.Gertrude.Excuse me; you don't know me, sir. I have not failed in my engagements. I listened to your proposals, my niece heard and accepted them, and I consented with pleasure.Count.[To theBaron.] You hear? That was because I spoke.Baron.[ToCandida.] And you, Signorina Candida, why did you give me hope? why did you deceive me?Candida.I must ask your forgiveness, sir. I was torn by two conflicting passions. The desire for revenge made me wish to be yours, and love gives me back to Evarist.Count.I did not know this.Geltrude.And if you had been a bolder lover and a sincerer friend, you would not have found yourself in this case.Baron.It is true. I confess my passion, I condemn my weakness; but I despise the friendship and conduct of the Count. [He salutes and moves off.]Count.There, there, it is nothing. Let us be friends. We are joking. Among colleagues these things are understood. Come, let us think of these weddings.Geltrude.Let us go into the house, and I hope all will be arranged to universal satisfaction.[Candidafans herself.]Geltrude.Are you contented to have that much-desired fan in your hands?Candida.I cannot express the measure of my content.Geltrude.A great fan! It has turned all our heads, from the highest to the lowest.Candida.[ToSusanna.] Is it from Paris, this fan?Susanna.Yes, from Paris; I guarantee it.Geltrude.Come, I invite you all to supper, and we will drink to this fan which did all the harm and brought about all the good.
Crispinocomes out of his shop, with bread, cheese, and a bottle of wine, seats himself on the bench, and breakfasts.Togninocomes out ofGeltrude'svilla with a broom, and crosses to the pharmacy.CoronatoandScavezzocome out of the inn; the latter carries a barrel on his shoulders; the former passesCrispino, looks at him and laughs. Then both go off.Crispinolooks after him and clenches his fist.Tognino, issuing from the pharmacy, sweeps the square.Timoteowith glasses and bottles hurries across to the villa.Crispinohas emptied his wine-bottle, and goes into the inn.Susannacomes out of her shop, seats herself to do some needlework.Togninooff into the villa.Crispinocomes back, his bottle refilled. He draws the fan from his pocket, looks at it smiling, and seats himself again.Ninaalso seats herself outside her door to spin.Crispinohides the fan under his leather apron, and goes on eating.Coronatocomes back, passesCrispino, and smiles.Crispinosmiles also.Coronato, arrived at his own door, turns round once more to look atCrispinoand smile, then enters.Crispinolaughs too, takes up the fan, looks at it with pleasure, and then hides it again.