uffer from him too, or I mistake.

_Perez._ What did he say? when least I wished it?

_Felix._ Those were his words.

_Perez._ They're pregnant with some meaning.

_Felix._ No doubt--we'll ravel out this mystery as we walk. Come to the
Prado: this smiling day will bring the fair ones forth. Come, come!
[_Exeunt._

_Scene IV._

_A Street before Anselmo's Lodgings._

_Enter Antonio._

What with the messages from my master's two mistresses, I am not a
little puzzled to keep my two wives apart. I have spread a report of my
absence by another channel, which will reach Nina; and, unless she comes
for my effects, which Beppa surely would, there is no fear. Now must I
wait for Sancho.

_Enter Beppa._

_Bep._ One is as sure to find you standing here, as to find the figure
of our lady in the church.

_Ant._ I wish the likeness went further, and that the same presents were
offered to me. I should be rich.

_Bep._ You will never be rich. You are not honest.

_Ant._ It is my poverty has made me otherwise.

_Bep._ And while you are otherwise you will be poor. You shut the only
gate by which riches can enter.

_Ant._ And yet, good wife, I have occasionally seen great rogues amass
great wealth.

_Bep._ Castles built upon the sand, without a good foundation!--a pile
of industry heaped up in vain. But I have known you long, and it is
useless to reason with you.

_Ant._ Pray, may I ask, what has made you in such a sermonising humour
to-day?

_Bep._ No; but you may hear why I am come to you. I am sent to know if
your rogue of a master comes to my lady to-night.

_Ant._ He does, to the best of my knowledge, and belief.

_Enter Sancho._

_Ant._ Sancho, I have been waiting for you (_to Sancho aside_). I'll
speak to you directly (_pointing to Beppa_).

_Bep._ I'm sure there is mischief. I'll stay to plague him.

_Ant._ Well, Beppa, you have your answer, and I have no doubt but Donna
Serafina is impatient.

_Bep._ She may be: but, Antonio, I want to put a question to you, now
that I am here; who is that girl with whom I caught you the other
day,--that Nina!

_San._ Saint Petronila! caught him with Nina? Why he's a married man and
your husband.

_Bep._ I know he is, to my misfortune. Yet still he makes love to other
women. I caught him kissing her.

_Ant._ (_aside_). Confound her!

_San._ Kissing her! (_To Antonio_) Your most obedient! Then I understand
why you fought her husband.

_Bep._ Fought her hu