_Torr._ (_after looking at the letter_). I tell you what, uncle, if they wait till I’ve read it, they’ll not see the sight at all.
_Torr._ But that’s no matter neither. They can teach me before they go.
_Alon._ What, when it’s to-day? almost directly?
_Alon._ ’Tis useless saying more. Daughters, such a ceremony happens, perhaps, but once in a life; you must see it. On with your mantles, whether Don Torribio approve or not. I am lame, you see, and must keep at home; to hear about it all from you on your return.
_Eug._ Shall I stay with you, sir, while Clara—
_Clara._ (_aside to MARI, while putting on her mantle_). Remember the letter!
_Eug._ (_aside_). I wonder if they will be there!
_Torr._ Whether the Queen enter to-day, To-morrow, or keep quite away, Let those go see who have a mind; I am resolved to stay behind: And now all gone, and coast quite clear, Clear up the secret I suspect and fear.
_Fel._ What use going to a festival if one has no spirits for it?
_Hern._ Humph, what makes you out of spirits?
_Hern._ Nay, then, you have already answer’d me. You are in love.
_Fel._ I scarce know whether you are right or wrong, Hernando. I have indeed seen a lady whose very beauty forbids all hope of my attaining it.
_Fel._ She who has enslaved Don Juan and Don Pedro has fetter’d me, at last! I should care little for their rivalry, had not each made me keeper of his love, so that—Hark!
_Fel._ From Eugenia! (_Reads._) ‘Grateful to you for your advice, I have already begun to follow it; but, in order to that, I must see you once again, this evening! Adieu!’ Here’s a dilemma! For if—
_Fel._ Don Juan back, When such a festival—
_Juan._ And you? Oh, Felix, I know not how to speak or hold my tongue!
_Juan._ Why, if I speak I needs must anger you; if not, myself.
_Juan._ Nor I; Yet if you give me leave (as leave they give To children and to fools to say their mind) I’ll say mine.
_Juan._ Tell me then— That letter I saw flying in at the window As I came up, what was it?
_Fel._ That of all That you could ask, Juan, I cannot answer— Must not—relying on our old regard For fair construction.
_Juan._ I believe it, Felix: Yet seeing that you first excused yourself From helping on my suit, upon the score Of other obligation; and that now, Ev’n now, but a few wretched minutes back, Eugenia herself, in the public street, Forbad me from her carriage angrily From following her more—What can I think But that she loves another? when besides, Coming back suddenly, I hear her name Whisper’d—oh what so loud as an ill whisper!— By you, and see a letter too thrown in, Which on my coming up confused you hide, And will not say from whom—I say, Don Felix, What can I think?