 | Beware of Smooth Water |  |
Scene I.
Room in Alonso's House. Clara and Mari Nuño.Clara.
It is so, indeed.
Mari.
You know you can always rely on my old love to
you. But indeed I cannot but wonder at your sister's forwardness.
Clara.
Yes; to think of two cavaliers after her at once!
I look upon it as my duty to set all to right; to do this I
must once more speak to him who warned me of it; and I
want you to give him this letter—in her name, remember—
this will bring him here to-night, and I shall undeceive him
for ever. But hark! some one—
Torribio is about to enter.
Mari.
'Tis that wretch. Stay, sir, no man comes in here.
Torr.
Away, troublesome duenna.
Mari.
It's not decent, I tell you.
Torr.
An't my cousin decent; and an't I?
Clara.
What is the matter?
Torr.
This old woman won't let me come in.
Clara.
She is right, unless my father be with you.
Torr.
Oh, I understand—
Those that are out
Still will pout.
Clara.
Well, since she who is in, and may grin, is not
here, you have no business neither. For me, what grudge
I have against you, be assur'd I can and will repay. Mari,
remember.
[Exit.
Mari.
Hark! some one at the door.
[Exit.
Torr.
By heav'n and earth, I do begin suspect!
I say again I do begin suspect!—
And valour rises with suspicion—
I shall ere long be very terrible.
For passing through the house—let me not say it,
Till I have told my tongue it lies to say it—
In passing through the passage, what saw I
Within Eugenia's room, behind her bed!
I saw—
(Re-enter Mari Nuño with a letter.)
Mari.
A letter, madam,—Where is she?
Torr.
Woman, she was, but is not. A letter too?
Give it me.
Mari.
You too!
Torr.
Give it me, or dread
My dreadful vengeance on your wither'd head.
Mari.
Leave hold of it.—
Torr.
I'll not! The more you pull,
The more—
Mari.
Then take that on your empty skull!
(Deals him a blow, and calls.)
Help! Help!
Torr.
You crying, when two teeth are out—
Mari.
“As swelling prologues of”—Help! murder! murder
Enter Eugenia, Clara, Alonso, Brigida, &c.
Alon.
What is the matter now?
Mari.
Don Torribio, sir, because I wouldn't let him have
my young lady's letter, has laid violent hands on me.
Torr.
I?
All.
Don Torribio!
Torr.
I tell you—
Alon.
Indeed, nephew, your choleric jealousy carries you
too far. A respectable female in my house!
Torr.
I tell you that it is me who—
Alon.
I know—enough—make not the matter worse by
worse excuses. Give me the letter has been the cause of
such unseemly conduct.
Eug.
(aside).
If it should be from one of them!
Clara.
(aside to Eugenia).
Nothing I hope from your
gallants.
Alon.
(reads).
“My dear nieces, this being the day of the
Queen's public entry, I have engag'd a balcony, and will
send my coach for you directly to come and see it with me.”
This, you see, nephew, is all your suspicions amount to!
My cousin, Donna Violante, inviting my daughters to witness
this august ceremony! If you still suspect; here, take
it, and read it for yourself.
(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.
Alon.
Why so?
Torr.
Because I can't read.
Alon.
That this should be!
Torr.
But that's no matter neither. They can teach me
before they go.
Alon.
What, when it's to-day? almost directly?
Torr.
Can't it be put off?
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.
Clara.
At your pleasure, sir.
Eug.
Shall I stay with you, sir, while Clara—
Alon.
No, no. Both of you go.
Clara
(aside to Mari, while putting on her mantle).
Remember
the letter!
Mari.
Trust to me.
Eug.
(aside).
I wonder if they will be there!
[Exeunt all but Torribio.
Torr.
Whether the Queen enter to-day,
To-morrow, or keep quite away,
Let those go see who have a mind;
I am resolv'd to stay behind:
And now all gone, and coast quite clear,
Clear up the secret I suspect and fear.
[Exit.
| Beware of Smooth Water | |