"Lay bare my heart, my Nina, read each thought, And there your image, deeply graven, find."
[_She turns away. He pretends to be much affected; at last she embraces him._
_Ant._ (_Aside._) Into her arms and out of that scrape, thank my wits! (_Aloud._) And now, my love, how long have you resided in this city?
_Nina._ But a few days. I serve the Donna Isidora. I was left behind in sickness, at their country seat, some time ago, and but now have joined her. Where have you been, my dear Lopez?
_Ant._ Wandering about everywhere and anywhere, a lost man, since I heard of your loss;--yes, a miserable man. But of that hereafter. What seek you now?
_Nina._ The lacquey of Don Gaspar, called Antonio;--can you assist me, as I am in haste?
_Ant._ Why yes, I think I can. Behold him here; I am that same Antonio, and, for my sins, Don Gaspar's lacquey.
_Nina_ (_walking away angrily_). It was convenient, perhaps, for you to change your name. You are Antonio, indeed!
_Ant._ No, my dear wife; but it made me feel more happy (_placing his arm round her waist_). You used to call me Lopez; dearest Lopez; and when I thought you dead, the very name, when summoned by my masters, reminded me of your dear self. I could not bear it; so I changed my name.
_Nina._ Dear Lopez! And do you really tell the truth? [_Antonio kisses her._]
_Bep._ (_aside_). So, so, good husband! I have long suspected this. I'll watch your motions.
_Nina._ Well then, dear Lopez, you must give this letter to your master. He must not fail to-night. When shall I see you?
_Ant._ This night, if possible, there shall be more than one love-tale, my Nina. [_Exit Nina._
[_Beppa, who has gradually advanced, boxes Antonio's ears._
_Bep._ "There shall be more than one love-tale, my Nina." And this hand shall tell another tale (_striking again_), thou base villain!
_Ant._ (_escaping from her, rubbing his ears_). O Lord! for tail read head. (_Aside._) This it is to have two wives. (_Aloud._) Why, Beppa, are you mad? How can I help it?
_Ant._ Yes, how can I help it? I must obey my orders.
_Ant._ Yes, obey my orders, or lose my place. My master, who is amusing himself with a young lady, says to me, "Antonio, that servant girl hangs about much in my way, you must make love to her."