of the shop to work._]

_Candida._ He has great secrets with the draper. I am curious to hear
some details. [_Approaches to the front._]

_Evarist._ [_Approaching_ Nina.] Nina!

_Nina._ Your wishes, sir?

_Evarist._ A favour. I know Signorina Candida loves you.

_Nina._ Yes, she has pity on the poor orphan. But alas! I am subjected
to my brother, who embitters my life.

_Evarist._ Listen to me.

_Nina._ [_Spinning on._] Spinning does not make me deaf.

_Evarist._ [_To himself._] Her brother is full of whims, but neither
does she seem free of them.

[Susanna, Crispino, _and_ Coronato _stretch out their heads to observe
the couple._]

_Candida._ Business with the shopwoman; business with Nina. I do not
understand. [_Comes forward yet more._]

_Evarist._ May I ask you a favour?

_Nina._ Have I not already answered you? Have I not told you to command?
I am not deaf. If my spindle disturbs you, I will throw it aside. [_Does
so._]

_Evarist._ But how impetuous!

_Candida._ What does her anger signify?

_Coronato._ It seems to me they are getting hot. [_Creeps to the front,
his note-book in hand._]

_Crispino._ She throws aside her spindle. [_Does the same with his shoe
and hammer._]

_Susanna._ Would he give her a present were she less angry? [_She too
approaches from out the background._]

_Nina._ I am at your orders.

_Evarist._ You know that Signorina Candida broke her fan?

_Nina._ Why, certainly.

_Evarist._ I have bought a new one at the shop.

_Nina._ As you please.

_Evarist._ But Signora Geltrude must not know.

_Nina._ There you do wisely.

_Evarist._ And I wish that you should give her the fan secretly.

_Nina._ I cannot serve you.

_Evarist._ How unkind of you!

_Candida._ [_To herself._] He told me he was going shooting, and he is
still here.

_Crispino._ [_Approaches, pretending to be at work._] If I could only
hear something!

_Coronato._ [_Approaches also, pretending to do accounts._] I can
scarcely contain myself for curiosity.

_Evarist._ Why will you not do me this favour?

_Nina._ Because I want to know nothing about this matter.

_Evarist._ You take the matter too seriously. Candida loves you so much.

_Nina._ True, but in such matters--

_Evarist._ You told me you wanted to marry Crispino. [_Turns and sees
the two listeners._] What do you want here, you rogues?

_Crispino._ [_Seating himself hastily._] I am working, sir.

_Coronato._ [_Does the same._]