he
stands helpless and destitute. Oh! how totally is he in my power, just
as I had wished! But does a person ever change from contempt to love?
No, never. Little does he know that for a twelvemonth I have been his
adversary, and the misfortune is, that when he does know he will hate
me! But hatred is not the opposite of love, it is merely the obverse
of the golden coin. I shall tell him everything; I shall make him hate
me.

SCENE EIGHTH

Faustine and Paquita.

Paquita
Senora, your orders have been most exactly carried out by Monipodio.
Senorita Lothundiaz has just been informed by her duenna, of the peril
which threatens Senor Fontanares this evening.

Faustine
Sarpi must be here by this time. Tell him I wish to speak to him.

(Exit Paquita.)

SCENE NINTH

Faustine (alone)
We must baffle the plans of Monipodio. Quinola fears he has received
the order to get rid of Fontanares; it is too bad that there should be
ground for such a fear.

SCENE TENTH

Faustine and Don Fregose.

Faustine
Your arrival is timely, senor, I wish to ask a favor of you.

Don Fregose
Say, rather, that you wish to confer one on me.

Faustine
Monipodio must disappear from Barcelona--yea, and from Catalonia,
within two hours; send him to Africa.

Don Fregose
What has he done to you?

Faustine
Nothing.

Don Fregose
Well, what is your reason.

Faustine
Simply because--You understand?

Don Fregose
Your wish shall be obeyed. (He writes.)

SCENE ELEVENTH

The same persons and Sarpi.

Faustine
Have you made the necessary preparations, cousin, for your immediate
marriage with Marie Lothundiaz?

Sarpi
I have, and her good father has taken care that the contract should be
ready.

Faustine
That is well! Send word to the convent of the Dominicans. The rich
heiress will freely consent to be wedded to you at midnight; she will
accept any conditions, when she sees (whispering to Sarpi) Fontanares
in the hands of justice.

Sarpi
I quite understand, and the only thing now is to have him arrested. My
good fortune seems invincible! And--I owe it all to you. (Aside) What
instrument is there more powerful than the hatred of a woman!

Don Fregose
Sarpi, see that this order is strictly carried out and with no delay.

(Exit Sarpi.)

SCENE TWELFTH

The same persons