_Nina._ I have seen it with these eyes, and heard it with these ears.

_Evarist._ It cannot be! It is impossible! You talk nonsense.

_Nina._ Go, see for yourself. Listen, and you will soon learn if I talk
nonsense.

_Evarist._ I will see at once! [_Runs to the villa and knocks._]

_Nina._ Poor fool, he trusts in the love of a city girl. The city girls
are not as we are.

[Evarist _goes on knocking._ Tognino _opens and looks out of the door._]

_Evarist._ Well, what is it?

_Tognino._ Excuse me, I can let no one pass.

_Evarist._ Have you told them it is I?

_Tognino._ I have.

_Evarist._ To Signorina Candida?

_Tognino._ To Signorina Candida.

_Evarist._ And Signora Geltrude does not wish that I should come in?

_Tognino._ Yes, Signora Geltrude had said you might pass, but Signorina
Candida did not wish it.

_Evarist._ Did not wish it? I swear to Heaven I will come in! [_Tries to
push aside_ Tognino, _who bolts the door._]

_Nina._ Well, and what did I tell you?

_Evarist._ I am beside myself! I do not know in what world I am. To shut
the door in my face!

_Nina._ Oh, do not be amazed! They treated me in the same beautiful way.

_Evarist._ How is it possible Candida could thus deceive me?

_Nina._ What is a fact cannot be doubted.

_Evarist._ I still do not believe it--I cannot believe it--I will never
believe it!

_Nina._ You do not believe it?

_Evarist._ No; there must be some mistake, some mystery. I know
Candida's heart. She is incapable of this!

_Nina._ All right. Console yourself that way, and enjoy your
consolation. Much good may it do you!

_Evarist._ I absolutely must speak to Candida.

_Nina._ But since she won't receive you?

_Evarist._ It does not matter. There must be some other reason! I will
go into the cafe. It will be enough for me to see her, to hear a word
from her. A sign alone from her will suffice to assure me of life or to
give me my death-blow.

_Nina._ Well, take it.

SCENE XIII.

Coronato _and_ Scavezzo _return._ Scavezzo _goes straight to the inn._
Coronato _remains aside to listen. The above._

_Evarist._ What do you want to give me?

_Nina._ Why, your fan!

_Evarist._ Keep it. Don't torment me.

_Nina._ You give me this fan?

_Evarist._ Yes, yes, keep it, I give it you.--[_Aside._] I am beside
myself!

_Nina._ If it is so, I thank you.

_Coronato._ [_Aside._] Ho, ho! now I know what the present was! A fan.
[_Goes to the inn without bei