here is
not easy. I wish you all a good morning. Adieu, Lieutenant.--[_Aside._]
He is worried by this troublesome girl. [_Exit._

_Phil._ [_To_ Giannina.] I am not pleased with your ways.

_Gian._ My dear father, let me amuse myself a little. I, who am so free
from love, like sometimes to vex these lovers. As it was I who
discovered their passion for each other, they are under obligations to
me for their approaching happiness; hence they may pardon my jokes.

_Phil._ You girls are the devil! but the time will come, my daughter,
when you will know how trying to lovers are these little teasing ways.
You are now old enough, and the first good offer that presents itself,
be prepared to accept it. What says Monsieur de la Cotterie! Am I not
right?

_De la Cot._ Quite right.

_Gian._ Monsieur Quite Right, that is for me to decide, not for you.

_Phil._ Are you averse to being married?

_Gian._ If I could find a husband to my taste--

_Phil._ I shall be pleased if he is to your taste--to mine he certainly
must be; the fortune I intend for you will make you equal to the best
match in Holland.

_Gian._ The father of Mademoiselle Costanza says the same.

_Phil._ Do you compare Monsieur Riccardo with me? or do you compare
yourself to the daughter of a broker? You vex me when you talk so. I
will hear no more.

_Gian._ But I do not say--

_Phil._ I'll hear no more. [_Exit._

_De la Cot._ Ah, my Giannina, our affairs are worse than ever. How much
better not to have taken such a step!

_Gian._ Who could have foreseen my father would involve himself as he
has done?

_De la Cot._ I see no remedy but my immediate departure.

_Gian._ Such weakness I did not expect.

_De la Cot._ Then I may be forced to marry Mademoiselle Costanza.

_Gian._ Do so, if you have the heart.

_De la Cot._ Or shall the whole mystery be explained?

_Gian._ It would be a most unhandsome act, to expose me to the shame of
having contrived such a deception.

_De la Cot._ Then do you suggest some plan.

_Gian._ All I can say is this: think no more of going away. As to
marrying Mademoiselle Costanza, it is absurd; to discover our plot
preposterous. Resolve, then, on some plan to secure at the same time our
love, our reputation, and our happiness. [_Exit._

_De la Cot._ Excellent advice! but among so many things not to be done,
where shall we find what is to be done? Alas! nothing remains but
absolute despair. [_Exit._