_Street before Don Gaspar's lodgings.--Enter Antonio._
_Ant._ I wonder where my master is! I expected him sooner. He may be in his chamber, but 'tis impossible to say. Why, here comes Beppa, and that knave Garcias with her. I've often thought they are too intimate; I will retire and watch them.
_Enter Beppa, followed by Garcias.--Antonio advances behind._
_Gar._ It is, upon my faith! Sancho revealed it in his cups. Don Perez, afraid to encounter with Don Gaspar, has hired bravos to dispatch him.
_Bep._ I rejoice at it. A wretch like him deserves no better fate, and my poor mistress will be well revenged. Indeed, his servant is no better.
_Bep._ My scoundrel husband! Unhappy day I married him! It was but yesterday that I found him kissing another.
_Gar._ Indeed!--You can revenge yourself.
_Gar._ (_kissing her hand_). Then kiss again.
_Gar._ I'll join the bravos, and strike him down, if you will marry me.
_Bep._ Not so, good sir: it were indeed to make a better choice, to take a murderer in second wedlock. I ask but to be free; and leave the time to Heaven.
_Gar._ Then fare ye well. [_Exit Garcias._
_Ant._ A very pretty proposal, and a very pretty plot have I discovered! yet will I conceal my knowledge. (_Shows himself._) Good day, again, my Beppa! Who is that friend of yours? (_smacking lips in imitation of kissing_).
_Bep._ (_after a pause_). Well, good husband, how could I help it?
_Bep._ Yes, only a little by-play, you know.
_Ant._ Or else you must quit your service. Pray who is the gentleman to whom your mistress is making love?
_Ant._ Of course she gave you ten moidores for me.
_Bep._ Good morning. I must to my mistress. Adieu, Antonio. [_Exit Beppa._
_Ant._ Well; I like thee better than usual. Thou hast refused him for me, and would not have him murder me; that's something in a wife now-a-days. I have obtained a key which fits my master's door; and now I feel assured he'll not come back, I'll find his secret out. I must be quick. Suppose he should be there. Impossible! he would have summoned me. At all events I'll risk it. [_Exit Antonio._
_Interior of Don Gaspar's room.--Enter Antonio._
_Ant._ Pugh! what a heat I'm in! I really tremble with delight or fear--I can't tell which. If he should come, what shall I say? Oh, the news I gained from Beppa. That will do. (_Looking round._) Well, I see nothing after all. Why should he keep his chamber locked? But, then, there's that chest; let me try--locked fast;--nothing to be gained from that. Still, he comes in by some other way than the door, that's clear; we must have a search for a trap door. (_He looks round, and then under the bed. While he is on his knees, feeling the boards, Don Gaspar enters by the secret sliding panel, and observing him, draws his sword, and, as Antonio rises, he points it to his breast._)