k to your work, that my shoes may get done at
last.

_Crispino._ As your Honour desires.

[Count _examines the fan._]

_Crispino._ [_Aside._] The devil a bit! I forgot that Signora Geltrude
sent me to look for Signor Evarist, and now I have found him and not
told her. But his illness--the fan--in short, I forgot! I will call him,
but I don't like to go to Moracchio's house. I will go to the Signora
Geltrude and tell her Signor Evarist is found, and she is to have him
called, only not by me. [_Goes off towards the draper's shop._]

_Count._ What can it cost? Not much. Were it more choice, I would give
it to Signorina Candida, who broke her own. But why should I not? It is
not half bad.

_Nina._ [_At the window._] Where is Crispino? Not there!

_Count._ The figures are badly painted, but it seems to me they are well
drawn.

_Nina._ Oh, what do I see! The fan is in the Count's hands! Quick,
quick, to wake Signor Evarist!

_Count._ And who refuses a gift? She shall have it.

SCENE IX.

Count. Baron _from the inn. Then_ Tognino.

_Baron._ What! you abandon me?

_Count._ I saw you were not inclined to talk.

_Baron._ Yes, it is true. I can't resign myself. Tell me, do you think
we might go now and try to see those ladies once more.

_Count._ Why not? I have a happy thought! Shall I make you a present,--a
present that will make you cut a good figure in Signorina Candida's
eyes?

_Baron._ What is this present?

_Count._ You know she broke her fan this morning.

_Baron._ Yes, I heard of it.

_Count._ Here is a fan. Let us go and find her and give her this one
from you. [_Gives it to the_ Baron.] Look, it is not ugly.

_Baron._ You want me then to--

_Count._ Yes, you give it. I do not want to have any merit in the
matter. I leave all the honour to you.

_Baron._ I gladly accept this excuse, but you will at least let me know
what it cost?

_Count._ Oh, a trifle.

_Baron._ Nevertheless, kindly tell me the price.

_Count._ But to what end? Did you not give me a present of two pistols?

_Baron._ I do not know what to say. Well, I accept your present
gratefully.--[_Aside._] Where did he find this fan? It seems to me
impossible that he bought it.

_Count._ Well, what do you say to it? Isn't it a pretty thing? And just
in the nick of time! Oh, I understand these things, I have much
experience. I am well provided. There is a whole room full of nick-nacks
for ladies. But do not let us waste time. Let