_Bep._ It must not last. I've much to tell you yet Of this base man. When you have heard it all, A rapid flood of rage shall sweep its course, Lash'd by the storm raised in your much-wrong'd soul, O'erwhelming all remorse, to Gaspar's ruin.
_Ser._ Direct me, Heav'n! Come to my chamber, Beppa, I must unrobe me. When my swollen heart Can throb more freely, I will hear your tale. Come on, good Beppa. [_Exeunt._
_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.
_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.
_Ant._ Don Felix, sir. The friend of him you slew last night.
_Ant._ One, sir, that will demand a life--or yours or his. It is so coarsely 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.
_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.