gnore. [_Turns to look at him._]

_Count._ A word.

_Nina._ [_Aside._] I did not need this impediment.

_Count._ [_Aside._] I must not neglect Coronato. I have promised him my
protection, and he merits it. [_Gets up and puts aside his book._]

_Nina._ Here I am. What would you, sir?

_Count._ Where were you going?

_Nina._ To do my own business, sir.

_Count._ What! You reply like that to me, with such audacity, such
impertinence?

_Nina._ How would you have me speak? I speak as I know how; I am not
used to converse. I speak like that with every one, and no one has told
me I am impertinent.

_Count._ You must distinguish the people with whom you speak.

_Nina._ I don't know how to distinguish. If you want something, say it!
If you want to amuse yourself, I have no time to lose with your worship.

_Count._ Come hither.

_Nina._ I am here.

_Count._ Would you like to marry?

_Nina._ Yes, sir.

_Count._ That is well; you please me now.

_Nina._ Oh, what I have in my heart, I have in my mouth.

_Count._ Would you like me to find you a husband?

_Nina._ No, sir.

_Count._ How no?

_Nina._ How no? Because it's no, because to marry I have no need of you.

_Count._ Do you not need my protection?

_Nina._ No, indeed, not a bit of it.

_Count._ Do you understand all I can do in this village?

_Nina._ You may be able to do all in the village, but you can do nothing
in my marriage.

_Count._ I can do nothing?

_Nina._ [_Smiling gently._] Nothing, in truth, nothing, nothing.

_Count._ You are in love with Crispino.

_Nina._ He is to my taste.

_Count._ And you prefer him to that worthy man, to that rich man, that
admirable man, Coronato?

_Nina._ I would prefer him to others far better than Coronato.

_Count._ You would prefer him to any other?

_Nina._ [_Laughing, and making him understand that she refers to him._]
Oh, and if you knew to whom, for instance!

_Count._ And to whom would you prefer him, then?

_Nina._ To what end? Do not make me chatter.

_Count._ No, because you would be capable of saying some impertinence.

_Nina._ Do you want anything else of me?

_Count._ Simply this: I protect your brother, your brother has given his
word for you to Coronato, and you must marry Coronato.

_Nina._ [_With affectation._] Your worship protects my brother?

_Count._ Just so.

_Nina._ And my brother has given his word to Coronato?

_Count._ Just so.

_Nina._ Well, if things be so-