e quiet at last!

_Timoteo._ [_Aside._] I won't go again into that house. Is it my fault
that these waters don't help? I can only give what I have. They expect
to find all the refinements of town in a village. And then what are
spirits, cordials, essences? So many quack remedies. The corner-stones
of an apothecary are, water, quinine, mercury. [_Goes into his shop._]

_Crispino._ Some one must be ill at the villa.

_Nina._ [_With contempt._] Yes, that dear jewel of a Signorina Candida!

_Susanna._ Poor Signorina Candida!

_Crispino._ What is the matter with her?

_Susanna._ [_Pointedly._] Nina should know something about it.

_Nina._ I? What have I to do with it?

_Susanna._ Because she is ill on your account.

_Nina._ On my account! [_Springs to her feet._]

_Susanna._ Oh, one cannot speak quietly with you.

_Crispino._ I should like to know what all this means. [_Gets up from
his work._]

_Nina._ [_To_ Susanna.] You are only able to say silly things!

_Susanna._ There, there, don't excite yourself.

_Crispino._ [_To_ Nina.] Let her speak.

_Nina._ Well, speak, then.

_Susanna._ I won't say anything more to you!

_Nina._ If you have any sense of honour, speak.

_Susanna._ If matters are thus, well, I will.

_Crispino._ Quiet there! Signora Geltrude is approaching. No scenes
before her.

_Nina._ She shall give me an explanation!

SCENE III.

Geltrude _from the villa. The above._

_Geltrude._ [_Gravely._] Is your brother returned?

_Nina._ [_Ungraciously, and turning away._] Yes, he is.

_Geltrude._ [_As above._] Has Signor Evarist returned also?

_Nina._ [_As above._] Yes, he has.

_Geltrude._ Do you know where he is?

_Nina._ [_With annoyance._] I know nothing! Good day. [_Enters the
house._]

_Geltrude._ What manners!--Crispino!

_Crispino._ [_Rises._] Madame?

_Geltrude._ Do you know where to find Signor Evarist?

_Crispino._ No, Madame, in truth I do not.

_Geltrude._ Do me the favour to go and see if he is in the inn.

_Crispino._ Certainly. [_Goes towards the inn._]

_Susanna._ [_Softly._] Signora Geltrude!

_Geltrude._ What would you?

_Susanna._ One word.

_Geltrude._ Do you know nothing about Signor Evarist?

_Susanna._ Ah, Madame, I know many things. I have many things to tell
you.

_Geltrude._ Alas! I too have much to disquiet me; I have seen letters
that surprise me! Speak, enlighten me if you can.

_Susanna._ But here, in public! Shall I not come to yo