se, by
chance, the young lady of whom he is enamoured were rich, dependent on
her father, and could not encourage his hopes; would it be strange if
despair counselled him to leave her?

_Gian._ [_Aside._] He seems to know all.

_Phil._ And this tremor of the limbs, occurring just as he is to set
out, must, I should say, viewed philosophically, arise from the conflict
of two opposing passions.

_Gian._ [_Aside._] I could imprecate his philosophy!

_Phil._ In short, the benevolence of my character, hospitality, to which
my heart is much inclined, humanity itself, which causes me to desire
the good of my neighbours, all cause me to interest myself in him; but I
would not wish my daughter to have any share in this disease.

_Gian._ Ah, you make me laugh! Do I look thin and pale? am I melancholy?
What says your philosophy to the external signs of my countenance and of
my cheerfulness.

_Phil._ I am suspended between two opinions: you have either the power
of self-control, or are practising deception.

_Gian._ Have you ever found me capable of deception?

_Phil._ Never, and for that reason I cannot believe it now.

_Gian._ You have determined in your own mind that the officer is in
love, which is very likely; but I am not the only person he may be
suspected of loving.

_Phil._ As the Lieutenant leaves our house so seldom, it is fair to
infer his disease had its origin here.

_Gian._ There are many handsome young ladies who visit us, and one of
them may be his choice.

_Phil._ Very true; and, as you are with them, and do not want wit and
observation, you ought to know exactly how it is, and to relieve me from
all suspicion.

_Gian._ But if I have promised not to speak of it?

_Phil._ A father should be excepted from such a promise.

_Gian._ Yes, certainly, especially if silence can cause him any pain.

_Phil._ Come, then, my good girl, let us hear.--[_Aside._] I am sorry I
suspected her.

_Gian._ [_Aside._] I find myself obliged to deceive him.--Do you know,
sir, that poor Monsieur de la Cotterie loves to madness Mademoiselle
Costanza?

_Phil._ What! the daughter of Monsieur Riccardo?

_Gian._ The same.

_Phil._ And does the girl return his affection?

_Gian._ With the greatest possible ardour.

_Phil._ And what obstacle prevents the accomplishment of their wishes?

_Gian._ Why, the father of the girl will hardly consent to give her to
an officer who is not in a condition to maintain her reputably