Re-enter Donna Clara.

Don. Clara. So, yonder they go, as happy as a mutual and confessed affection can make them, while I am left in solitude. Heigho! love may perhaps excuse the rashness of an elopement from one’s friend, but I am sure nothing but the presence of the man we love can support it. Ha! what do I see! Ferdinand, as I live! How could he gain admission? By potent gold, I suppose, as Antonio did. How eager and disturbed he seems! He shall not know me as yet.

[Lets down her veil.

Enter Don Ferdinand.

Don Ferd. Yes, those were certainly they—my information was right.

[Going.

Don. Clara. [Stops him.] Pray, signor, what is your business here?

Don Ferd. No matter—no matter! Oh! they stop.—[Looks out.] Yes, that is the perfidious Clara indeed!

Don. Clara. So, a jealous error—I’m glad to see him so moved.

[Aside.

Don Ferd. Her disguise can’t conceal her—no, no, I know her too well.

Don. Clara. [Aside.] Wonderful discernment!—[Aloud.] But, signor——

Don Ferd. Be quiet, good nun; don’t tease me!—By heavens, she leans upon his arm, hangs fondly on it! O woman, woman!

Don. Clara. But, signor, who is it you want?

Don Ferd. Not you, not you, so prythee don’t tease me. Yet pray stay—gentle nun, was it not Donna Clara d’Almanza just parted from you?

Don. Clara. Clara d’Almanza, signor, is not yet out of the garden.

Don Ferd. Ay, ay, I knew I was right! And pray is not that gentleman, now at the porch with her, Antonio d’Ercilla?

Don. Clara. It is indeed, signor.

Don Ferd. So, so; but now one question more—can you inform me for what purpose they have gone away?

Don. Clara They are gone be married, I believe.

Don Ferd. Very well—enough. Now if I don’t mar their wedding!

[Exit.

Don. Clara. [Unveils.] I thought jealousy had made lovers quicksighted, but it has made mine blind. Louisa’s story accounts to me for this error, and I am glad to find I have power enough over him to make him so unhappy. But why should not I be present at his surprise when undeceived? When he’s through the porch, I’ll follow him; and, perhaps, Louisa shall not singly be a bride.