_Felix._ Hear from him! I saw no signs of fear, but much of rage, and that but ill suppressed. In faith he is a noble cavalier! You'll hear, and see, and suffer from him too, or I mistake.
_Perez._ What did he say? when least I wished it?
_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._
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.
_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 amass 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.
_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.