_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?
_Baron._ [_Contemptuously._] And then took it back again!
_Count._ Yes, and restored it to Signor Evarist.
_Evarist._ And I present it to Signorina Candida.
[Candida _accepts 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._ 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 the_ Baron.] You hear? That was because I spoke.
_Baron._ [_To_ Candida.] 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.
_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.
_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._ [_To_ Susanna.] Is it from Paris, this fan?