l it?

_Crispino._ Sell it? I should not know what to ask for it. What may it
be worth?

_Count._ I don't know, for I don't understand such things. There are
figures painted on it; but a fan found in the country can't be worth
much.

_Crispino._ I wish it were worth very much.

_Count._ In order to sell it well?

_Crispino._ No, certainly not; but only in order to offer it to your
honour.

_Count._ To me! You want to give it to me?

_Crispino._ But as it seems of no value--

_Count._ Oh no; it is not bad, and seems quite decent. Thank you, my
friend. Whenever I can be of use to you, count on my
protection.--[_Aside._] I shall give it away.

_Crispino._ But one thing I beg of you.

_Count._ [_Aside._] Didn't I think so! This class of people gives
nothing for nothing!--Well, what is it? Speak.

_Crispino._ I beg you to tell no one that I gave it to you.

_Count._ Is that all?

_Crispino._ All.

_Count._ If it's nothing but that--[_Aside._] He is cautious. But, my
good friend, why should people not know? Have you perchance stolen it?

_Crispino._ Excuse me. I am not capable of that.

_Count._ Then why should no one know it comes from you? If you have
found it, and the owner does not turn up, I don't see why--

_Crispino._ [_Laughing._] And yet I have my reasons.

_Count._ And they are?--

_Crispino._ Well, I am in love.

_Count._ I know it. With Nina.

_Crispino._ And if Nina knew I had this fan, and did not give it to her,
she would be angry.

_Count._ Just as well for her not to have it. This is no fan for a
country girl. Do not fear; I shall not betray you. But that reminds me,
how do matters stand with you and Nina? Do you really mean to marry her?

_Crispino._ I confess I desire her as my wife.

_Count._ Well, then, you shall have her. This very evening, if you like,
we will celebrate the wedding.

_Crispino._ Really, you are in earnest?

_Count._ In earnest. Who am I? What is meant by my protection? I am
almighty!

_Crispino._ But Coronato wants her also.

_Count._ Coronato! Who is Coronato? A stupid fellow! Does she love you?

_Crispino._ Yes, dearly.

_Count._ Good, then: you are loved, Coronato is not. Depend on my
protection.

_Crispino._ Most certainly. But--her brother?

_Count._ Brother! what brother? what of him? If the sister is satisfied,
the brother has nothing to say. Depend entirely on my protection.

_Crispino._ By Saint Crispin!

_Count._ There now, go bac