further gifts from me; and what is
more, a full confession of the many times you have been bribed to
secrecy. [_Exit Anselmo._

_Jac._ Why, what a penance if this should be discovered! They know how
much I love my wine, and always punish me with water. I should have to
drink the Guadalquiver dry before the Superior would give me absolution.
Well, we all have our besetting sin; and a pot of good wine will put my
soul in more jeopardy than all the temptations that the world contains.
I suppose I must forget to lock the door. I'll only bolt it; that will
satisfy my conscience as a porter. [_Exit Jacobo._

_Scene II._

_Street before Don Gaspar's lodgings.--Enter Antonio._

_Ant._ I wonder where my master is! I expected him sooner. He may be in
his chamber, but 'tis impossible to say. Why, here comes Beppa, and that
knave Garcias with her. I've often thought they are too intimate; I will
retire and watch them.

_Enter Beppa, followed by Garcias.--Antonio advances behind._

_Bep._ But, Garcias, is this true?

_Gar._ It is, upon my faith! Sancho revealed it in his cups. Don Perez,
afraid to encounter with Don Gaspar, has hired bravos to dispatch him.

_Bep._ I rejoice at it. A wretch like him deserves no better fate, and
my poor mistress will be well revenged. Indeed, his servant is no
better.

_Gar._ What! your dear husband?

_Bep._ My scoundrel husband! Unhappy day I married him! It was but
yesterday that I found him kissing another.

_Gar._ Indeed!--You can revenge yourself.

_Bep._ I almost wish I could.

_Gar._ (_kissing her hand_). Then kiss again.

_Bep._ Pshaw! that's but poor revenge.

_Gar._ I'll join the bravos, and strike him down, if you will marry me.

_Bep._ Not so, good sir: it were indeed to make a better choice, to take
a murderer in second wedlock. I ask but to be free; and leave the time
to Heaven.

_Gar._ Then fare ye well. [_Exit Garcias._

_Ant._ A very pretty proposal, and a very pretty plot have I discovered!
yet will I conceal my knowledge. (_Shows himself._) Good day, again, my
Beppa! Who is that friend of yours? (_smacking lips in imitation of
kissing_).

_Bep._ (_after a pause_). Well, good husband, how could I help it?

_Ant._ How could you help it!

_Bep._ My mistress ordered me.

_Ant._ Oh, I understand!

_Bep._ Yes, only a little by-play, you know.

_Ant._ Or else you must quit your service. Pray who is the gentleman to
whom your mistress is making love?

_