CHACHO [_aside_]. Yes, yes, her father is right! [_Aloud._] I will go and see what the children are doing [_trying to rise_]. Come here, you pretty rogue, and give me your hand. I feel exhausted. [_Nato helps her_. SALOME [_offering her hand_]. Let me help you, too. CHACHO. May God give you health and a life as long as mine! [_To Nato:_] O my heart's angel--if only I have my wish and see you wear the bridal wreath! SALOME. God grant it, dear aunt! CHACHO. He will, he will, my child! [_Going toward the entrance._] Good heaven! how old I have grown! [_Goes out at the left._ SCENE III NATO. Don't keep me waiting, mamma. SALOME. And won't a little less satisfy you? Why do you want so much all of a sudden? NATO. But, dear mamma, please; I want it so much! SALOME [_putting her hand in her pocket_]. I can never get away from you. [_Takes out her purse and looks for something in it._ NATO [_holding out her hand_]. You have it there, mamma. SALOME. Have a little patience. [_Takes out some money and gives it to her_.] Take it! take it! though I know your father will scold about it. NATO. But what can I do, when I need it so badly? SALOME. Need it--nonsense! There is no end of your needs. [_Pulling at Nato's hat._] How have you put your hat on again? And the flowers are all pulled apart. [_Arranges it._ NATO. Bah! what difference does that make? SALOME. You're crazy! [_Removes her veil._] How have you put on your veil? I must ever and eternally fix something on you! NATO. You will make me too beautiful, mamma. SALOME. Whether I make you beautiful or not, it will make no difference. You will be only the wife of a merchant. NATO. Yes, yes, I have been expecting that! SALOME. And you really think that your father will ask you? NATO. And whom should he ask? SALOME. Think what you will; he will not let his decision be altered by you. He says, "I will give her only to a business man." NATO. Yes, yes, surely. SALOME. By heaven! NATO. Mamma, is what you say true? SALOME. As true as the sun shines above you. He spoke of it again to-day. NATO. It is decided, then? SALOME. What am I to do if there is no other way out? You know we have not any too much money. NATO. And you are going to make a shopkeeper's wife of me, so that everyone will laugh at me [_ready to cry_]; so that I shall be an object of scorn for all. And why have you had me so well educated? Have I learned Russian and French and piano-playing for a man of that sort? What does a shopkeeper want of a piano? Pickle-jars and butter-tubs are useful to him, but not my French! I am curious as to how he would speak to me: _Moi aller, vous joli tu voir_. SALOME. Enough! enough! you wild girl!