us go. [_Rings at_ Signora
Geltrude's _house._]

_Tognino._ [_From the terrace._] What do you wish, gentlemen?

_Count._ Will the ladies receive us?

_Tognino._ Signora Geltrude is out, and Signorina Candida is resting in
her room.

_Count._ Let us know as soon as she is awake.

_Tognino._ Yes, sir. [_Exit._

_Count._ Did you hear?

_Baron._ Well, we must just wait. I have to write a letter to Milan; I
will go and write it at the apothecary's. If you will come too--

_Count._ No; I don't like going to that man's house. Go and write your
letter, and I will wait here till the servant calls us.

_Baron._ Very well. As soon as you want me, I am at your service.

_Count._ Count on me, do not fear.

_Baron._ [_Aside._] I do not count on him, and still less on the aunt,
and yet less on the niece. [_Goes to_ Timoteo's.]

_Count._ I will amuse myself with my book, with my beautiful collection
of wonderful fables. [_Pulls out his book, seats himself, and reads._]

SCENE X.

Count. Evarist _comes out of_ Nina's _house._

_Evarist._ Oh, there he is still! I thought he was gone. I can't
think how I was able to fall asleep amid so much distress of mind.
Fatigue--exhaustion. Now I feel born anew with the hopes of having back
the fan.--[_Calls._] Count, your servant.

_Count._ [_Reading and smiling._] Your servant, Signor Evarist.

_Evarist._ Will you permit me to say a few words?

_Count._ [_As above._] In a moment I am at your disposal.

_Evarist._ [_Aside._] If he has not got the fan in his hand, I don't
know how to begin speaking about it.

_Count._ [_Gets up laughing, and pockets his book._] Here I am, at your
services.

_Evarist._ [_Searching with his eyes for the fan._] I should be sorry if
I have disturbed you.

_Count._ It does not matter, I will finish reading my fable another
time.

_Evarist._ [_As above._] I should not like you to think me impertinent.

_Count._ What are you looking at? Have I some spot about me?

_Evarist._ Excuse me, I was told you had a fan.

_Count._ [_Confused._] A fan! It is true. Was it perchance you who lost
it?

_Evarist._ Yes, sir, I lost it.

_Count._ But there are many fans in the world. How do you know it is
yours?

_Evarist._ If you would have the kindness to show it to me?

_Count._ My friend, I am sorry you come too late.

_Evarist._ How too late?

_Count._ The fan is no longer in my possession.

_Evarist._ What?

_Count._ No; I gave it a