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. Clar_. 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.
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