e she
does not love him! It's her own fault. Why did she not tell me the
truth?
_Geltrude._ What are you doing here, niece?
[Candida _and_ Susanna _rise._]
_Susanna._ She is condescending to accord me her company.
_Candida._ I came to see if she sold nightcaps.
_Susanna._ Yes, it is true, she asked me about some. Oh, do not fear
that your niece is not safe with me. I am no chatterbox, and my house is
most respectable.
_Geltrude._ Do not justify yourself without being accused.
_Susanna._ I am very sensitive, Signora.
_Geltrude._ Why did you not tell me you needed a nightcap?
_Candida._ You were in your writing-room, and I did not wish to disturb
you.
_Susanna._ Would you like to see it? I will go and get it. I pray, sit
down. [_Gives her chair to_ Geltrude, _and goes into the shop._]
_Geltrude._ [_Seating herself, to_ Candida.] Have you heard nothing of
this encounter between the shoemaker and the host?
_Candida._ They say it is a matter of love and jealousy. They say Nina
is the cause.
_Geltrude._ I am sorry, for she is a good girl.
_Candida._ Oh, aunt, excuse me; I have heard things about her of a
nature that would make it better we should no longer let her come to the
house.
_Geltrude._ Why? What have they told you?
_Candida._ I will tell you after. Do as I do, aunt; don't receive her
any more, and you will do well.
_Geltrude._ Since she came more often to see you than to see me, I leave
you free to treat her as you please.
_Candida._ [_Aside._] The minx! she will not have the impudence to
appear before me.
_Susanna._ [_Returning._] Here are the caps, ladies; see, choose, and
content yourselves. [_All three occupied with the caps, and speaking
softly among themselves._]
SCENE IV.
_The above. The_ Count _and the_ Baron _come out of the inn._
_Count._ I am glad you have confided in me. Leave the rest to me, and do
not fear.
_Baron._ I know you are Signora Geltrude's friend.
_Count._ Oh, friend!--well, I will tell you. She is a lady who has some
talents; I like literature, I converse with her more willingly than with
any other. For the rest, she is a poor city dame. Her husband left her
this wretched house and some acres of ground, and, in order to be
respected in this village, she needs my protection.
_Baron._ Long live the Count who protects widows and fair ladies!
_Count._ What would you have? In this world one must be good for
something.
_Baron._ Then
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