lk, salad, and eggs. My town education stands me
no stead in the country. All equal, all companions, Susanna, Nina,
Margherita, Lucia; the shopkeeper, the goatherd, the peasant, all one.
The two ladies yonder are a little more considered, but little, very
little. As for that impertinent Nina, because she is a little favoured
by the gentry, she thinks she is something great. They have given her
a fan. What will a peasant girl do with such a fan? Cut a dash, eh!
the minx must fan herself, thus. Much good may it do you! Why, it's
ridiculous, and yet these things at times make me rage. I, who have been
well educated, I can't tolerate such absurdities. [_Seats herself and
works._]

SCENE II.

Candida, _who comes out of the mansion._

_Candida._ I shan't be at peace till I have cleared it up. I saw Evarist
coming out of the shop and go to Nina, and certainly he gave her
something. I must see if Susanna can tell me something. Yes, aunt is
right, "Mistrust all strangers." Poor me! If he prove unfaithful! It is
my first love. I have loved none but him. [_Advances towards_ Susanna.]

_Susanna._ [_Rises._] Ah, Signorina Candida, your humble servant.

_Candida._ Good day, Susanna. What are you working at so busily?

_Susanna._ I am making a cap.

_Candida._ To sell?

_Susanna._ To sell, but Heaven knows when.

_Candida._ It might be that I need a nightcap.

_Susanna._ I have some in stock. Will you see them?

_Candida._ No, no, there is no hurry. Another time.

_Susanna._ Will you take a seat? [_Offers her chair._]

_Candida._ And you?

_Susanna._ Oh, I will fetch another chair. [_She goes into the shop and
brings out a second chair._] Pray sit here, you will be more comfortable.

_Candida._ You sit down also and go on working.

_Susanna._ [_Does so._] What an honour you afford me! One sees at once
you are well-born. He who is well-born despises no one. The peasants
here are proud, and Nina especially.

_Candida._ Speaking of Nina, did you notice her when Signor Evarist
spoke to her?

_Susanna._ Whether I noticed? I should think so.

_Candida._ He had a long confab with her.

_Susanna._ Do you know what happened after? Such a fight as there was!

_Candida._ I heard a noise, an angry discussion. They told me Crispino
and Coronato were at loggerheads.

_Susanna._ Precisely, and all because of this beauty, this treasure.

_Candida._ But why?

_Susanna._ Jealousy between themselves, jealousy because of S