way.

_Evarist._ And pray to whom?

_Count._ That is just what I would rather not tell you.

_Evarist._ Count, I must know! I must have back that fan, and I will
know who has it now!

_Count._ I will not tell!

_Evarist._ Heavens and earth, but you shall tell!

_Count._ Do not forget who I am!

_Evarist._ [_Angrily._] I say it, and I will maintain it! This is an
ungentlemanly action!

_Count._ Do you know that I have a couple of loaded pistols?

_Evarist._ What do I care about your pistols? I want my fan!

_Count._ How absurd! So much eagerness and noise for a bit of a fan
which is worth perhaps five paoli!

_Evarist._ Let it be worth whatever it is worth, you cannot know that
for me it is priceless. I would give twenty ducats to have it!

_Count._ You would give twenty ducats!

_Evarist._ If I tell you so, I promise it! If you can get it back I will
gladly sacrifice twenty ducats.

_Count._ [_Aside._] The devil! It must be painted by Titian or Raphael
of Urbino.--I will see if I can get you back the fan.

_Evarist._ If the owner likes to sell it for twenty ducats, I repeat I
am willing.

_Count._ Had I the fan, such a proposal would offend me.

_Evarist._ But perchance it will not offend its present owner.

_Count._ Perchance, who knows? My friend, I assure you, I am quite
confused.

_Evarist._ Let us do like this, Count. This is a gold snuff-box whose
weight alone represents a worth of over twenty ducats. Its workmanship
makes it worth twice as much. Never mind; for that fan I will willingly
give this box. Here it is!

_Count._ [_Holding the box in his hand._] Are there perhaps diamonds on
that fan? I noticed nothing.

_Evarist._ It is not of the faintest value, but it is of worth to me.

_Count._ Then I must try and satisfy you.

_Evarist._ I beg of you!

_Count._ Await me here.--[_Aside._] I am quite confused.--But am I to
give the box in exchange?

_Evarist._ Yes, yes, give it!

_Count._ Wait. [_Walks a few steps._] And if the person gives me the
fan, and does not want the box?

_Evarist._ I have given it to you. Do what you like with your property.

_Count._ In earnest?

_Evarist._ In earnest.

_Count._ [_Aside._] After all, the Baron is a gentleman and my friend.
Because of the twenty ducats I would not accept it, but a gold
snuff-box--that gives an aristocratic, refined, well-to-do
air.--[_Aloud._] Wait for me here. [_Goes into the pharmacy._]

_Evarist._ To justify myse