s, the most prominent Lombard in the city, and a man
entirely under my influence. You will find everything you need at his
palace, from diamonds down to low shoes. When you return here you
shall see our young lady. (Exeunt.)
SCENE THIRD
Paquita and Faustine.
Paquita
Madame is right; two men are on sentry under her balcony and are going
away on seeing the day dawn.
Faustine
The old viceroy will end by disgracing me! He suspects me, even at my
own house, while I am within sight and hearing of him.
(Exit Paquita.)
SCENE FOURTH
Faustine and Don Fregose.
Don Fregose
Madame, you run the risk of catching cold; it is too chilly here.
Faustine
Come here, my lord. You tell me, that you have faith in me; but you
put Monipodio to watch under my windows. Your behavior is not to be
excused like the excessive prudence of a young man, and necessarily
exasperates an honest woman. There are two kinds of jealousy: the
first makes a man distrust his mistress; the second leads him to lose
faith in himself. Confine yourself, if you please, to the second.
Don Fregose
Do not end so charming a celebration, senora, by a burst of anger
which I do not deserve.
Faustine
Was Monipodio, through whom you learn everything that goes on in
Barcelona, under my windows last night, or was he not? Answer me on
your honor as a gentleman.
Don Fregose
He might have been in the neighborhood to prevent our gamesters from
being attacked on their way home.
Faustine
This is the evasive stratagem of an old general! I must know the
truth. If you have deceived me I will never see you again so long as I
live!
(She leaves him.)
SCENE FIFTH.
Don Fregose (alone)
Oh, why cannot I give up the sight, the voice of this woman! She
delights me even in her very anger, and I love to call forth her
reproaches, that I may listen to her words.
SCENE SIXTH
Paquita and Monipodio (disguised as a begging friar at the door of the
Brancadori Palace).
Paquita
Madame told me to learn why Monipodio stationed himself below, but I
saw no one there.
Monipodio
Alms, my dear child, is a treasure which is laid up in heaven.
Paquita
I have nothing to give.
Monipodio
Never mind, promise me something.
Paquita
This is rather a jovial friar.
Monipodio
She does not recognize me and I believe I can run the
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