_ I congratulate you. I am glad to hear it, sir.

_Evarist._ One only condition she makes in order to be quite convinced
of my love.

_Nina._ And that is?--

_Evarist._ In order that I may justify myself and you also, it is
needful that you give her the fan.

_Nina._ Oh dear, oh dear!

_Evarist._ My honour and your own are at stake. It would seem otherwise
as if I had really bought the fan for you. She must be relieved of every
suspicion. I know you are a sensible girl, therefore give me back that
fan.

_Nina._ But, sir, I have it no longer.

_Evarist._ Why tell this lie? I gave it you, and I would not ask it back
did not my whole life's happiness hang on it. I will buy you another,
far better and more beautiful. But, for Heaven's sake, give me back that
fan, and quickly too!

_Nina._ Oh, if I but had it!

_Evarist._ Nina, I repeat, our honour is at stake.

_Nina._ I swear I no longer have the fan!

_Evarist._ Oh, heavens! And what did you do with it?

_Nina._ Oh, they knew I had the fan, and forced me to give it up by
violence.

_Evarist._ Who?

_Nina._ My brother.

_Evarist._ [_Goes towards the house and calls._] Moracchio!

_Nina._ No, stop! He has not got it!

_Evarist._ Who, then?

_Nina._ He gave it to Crispino.

_Evarist._ [_Runs towards the workshop._] Crispino!

_Nina._ Stop and listen, I say!

_Evarist._ I am beside myself.

_Nina._ Crispino no longer has it either.

_Evarist._ Heaven and hell, who has it then? Quick!

_Nina._ That rogue of a Coronato.

_Evarist._ Coronato! hi, host, Coronato!

_Coronato._ Yes, sir?

_Evarist._ Give here that fan.

_Coronato._ What fan?

_Nina._ That which you stole.

_Evarist._ Out with it! Quick!

_Coronato._ Sir, I am sincerely sorry, but--

_Evarist._ How so? What is this?

_Coronato._ I can no longer find it.

_Evarist._ Not find it!

_Coronato._ I stupidly forgot it in the cellar, and went away. When I
came back, it had vanished. Some one must have stolen it.

_Evarist._ Look for it!

_Coronato._ I have searched the whole house, in vain.

_Evarist._ I will pay you whatever you like for it!

_Coronato._ But if it is gone--I tell you it is gone.

_Evarist._ I am in despair!

_Coronato._ I am most sorry, but I can do nothing. [_Exit._

_Evarist._ It is all your fault! You are my misfortune!

_Nina._ I? And how am I to blame in it all?

SCENE VII.

Candida _on the terrace. The above._

_Candida._ [_Calli