What did you say just now? "I've loved you
long, and ne'er have said so much to any woman breathing."

_Ant._ Well, my love, no more I had, except to yourself; and you I
thought were dead. Why, my dearest Nina, it is a proof of my constancy.
When I first saw you, I said to myself "that is the only woman I ever
saw with a foot and ankle so pretty as my Nina's;" and the more I looked
at you, the more your sweet figure reminded me of yourself. In fact, it
was your likeness to yourself that created the first emotion in my
widowed heart. Had I fallen in love with anybody else, my dearest Nina,
you might have cause for anger; but I assert, to fall in love with my
own wife proves me a paragon of fidelity.

_Nina._ O, Lopez, could I but believe you!

[_Antonio turns away and takes out his handkerchief._] (_Aside._)
As my master says (_turning to Nina_),

"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._]

_Enter Beppa._

_Ant._ By this kiss I do!

_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 fai