_Dal._ [_Embarrassed._] But--when it is so easy to do so--he is our uncle. Besides, we may have need of him.
_Mad._ Need of him! we! how? Have we not means of our own to live in decency? You are not extravagant; I am reasonable. For myself, I desire no more than for you to provide for me as you have done. Let us continue to live with the same moderation, and we shall be independent of every one.
_Dal._ [_In a passionate manner._] Let us continue to live with the same moderation!
_Mad._ Yes, indeed; I have no vanity. I ask nothing more of you.
_Mad._ But you seem to me to be disturbed--thoughtful. What is the matter? you are not easy.
_Dal._ You are mistaken, there is nothing the matter.
_Mad._ Pardon me, I know you. If you have any sorrow, why hide it from me?
_Dal._ [_More embarrassed._] I am thinking of my sister. I will tell you the whole.
_Mad._ Your sister! But why of her? She's the best girl in the world--I love her dearly. Hear me. If you will trust her to me, I will relieve you of this burden, and at the same time make her happy.
_Mad._ You think of placing her in a convent, and I know, on good authority, it will be against her wishes.
_Dal._ [_A little warmly._] At her age, ought she to be asked what she wishes or does not wish?
_Mad._ No; she has understanding enough to submit to the will of her friends; but why not marry her?
_Mad._ Good! was I older than she when we were married?
_Dal._ [_Excitedly._] Well, must I go about from door to door looking for a man to wed her?
_Mad._ Listen to me, my husband, and do not disturb yourself, I pray. If I guess aright, I am sure Valerio loves her, and that she too is attached to him.
_Dal._ [_Aside._] Heavens, how much I have to suffer!
_Mad._ You know him. Can there be a better match for Angelica?
_Dal._ [_Much embarrassed._] We will see--we will talk of it.
_Mad._ Do me the favour to leave the management of this affair to me; I have a great desire to succeed in it.
_Dal._ [_In the greatest embarrassment._] Madame?
_Mad._ And if he does not? I do not wish that we should be wanting in our duty to him, but you are the brother of Angelica. Her fortune is in your hands--whether it is more or less depends on you alone. Let me assure myself of their inclination, and on the subject of interest, I would soon arrange that.