_Perez._ He often passes this way to the Prado. I wish to meet him also, but not in courtesy. Indeed! see, here he comes!
[_Enter Don Gaspar and as he would pass by, Perez steps before him. Gaspar moves on one side and Perez again intercepts him._
_Gasp._ Don Perez, at first I imagined this was accident, but now your conduct will admit no such interpretation. Do you dispute my passage?
_Perez._ I do--until we have had some little parley.
_Gasp._ Then, sir, your parley. Be brief. Indeed, I know not what there is between us that demands it.
_Perez._ I believe, Don Gaspar, that you woo a lady.
_Perez._ You will oblige me if you cease to woo.
_Gasp._ Don Perez, I never brook affront. What has already passed demands a deadly meeting. But to reply to your strange request, who is the lady I am commanded not to woo, and upon what grounds?
_Perez._ The lady is the Donna Serafina--I grant a fickle, yet a lovely one. You call yourself Don Gaspar. Who is this Don Gaspar that ruffles thus with our nobility? Detail your ancestry and lineage. Of what family are you? Where are your possessions? show me the patent of your descent or else----
_Gasp._ Then do it quickly; you've no time to lose. First let me tell you, sir, that had not reasons, and those the most cogent ones, forced me to hide my quality, I had not so long submitted to the doubts which are abroad. Still my secret is mine own and shall remain so. Who and what I am, Don Perez, you shall never know. You have not long to live; and now, sir, let me pass. We meet again when least you wish it.
_Felix._ Perez, indeed you are to blame. Don Gaspar has the right of every man to wear the incognito, either from choice or from necessity. He has never intruded on your company, bears himself correctly, and wears the form and stamp of true nobility. Thus much in justice must I say. If you must quarrel let your cause be good.
_Gasp._ Sir, I thank you (_bowing to Don Felix_).
_Perez._ Still do I hold my words, and challenge him impostor!
_Gasp._ Did you retract them it would not avail. But time is pressing, and I cannot wait.
_Gasp._ I said before, when least you wish it. (_To Don Felix_) Signor, farewell! [_Exit Gaspar._
_Perez._ By heavens! I hold him craven! Do you think that I shall hear from him?