What strange reports are current here in town. For my own self I do not credit them; But there are many who, not knowing you, Will lend a readier ear. _Pre._ There was no need That you should take upon yourself the duty Of telling me these tales. _Lara._ Malicious tongues Are ever busy with your name. _Pre._ (_in some agitation._) Alas! I’ve no protectors here. I’m a poor girl, Exposed to insults and unfeeling jests. They wound me, yet I cannot shield myself. I give no cause for these reports. I live Retired; am visited by none. _Lara._ By none? O then indeed you are much wrong’d. _Pre._ How mean you? _Lara._ Nay, nay; I will not wound your gentle soul By the report of idle tales. _Pre._ Speak out! What are these idle tales? You need not spare me. _Lara._ I will deal frankly with you. Pardon me; This window, as I think, looks towards the street, And this into the Prado, does it not? In yon high house, beyond the garden wall— You see the roof there just above the trees— There lives a friend, who told me yesterday, That on a certain night—be not offended If I too plainly speak—he saw a man Climb to your chamber window. You are silent! I would not blame you, being young and fair— (_He tries to take her hand. She starts back and draws a dagger from her bosom._) _Pre._ Beware! beware! I am a gipsy girl! Lay not your hand upon me. One step nearer And I will strike! _Lara._ Pray you put up that dagger. Fear not. _Pre._ I do not fear. I have a heart In whose strength I can trust! _Lara._ Listen to me. I come here as your friend—I am your friend— And by a single word, can put a stop To all those idle tales, and make your name As spotless as the falling snow. (_Victorian enters behind._) I love you, Fair Preciosa! and will save your honor! Give me some sign I do not love in vain! Give me some token—but one word of promise— Let me but kiss your hand! _Pre._ Avaunt! avaunt! O save me from this demon! (_Rushes towards Victorian, who repulses her._) _Vic._ Count of Lara! What means this outrage? _Lara._ First, what right have you To question thus a nobleman of Spain? _Vic._ I too am noble, and you are no more! Out of my sight! _Lara._ Are you the master here? _Vic._ Aye, here and elsewhere, where the wrong of others Gives me the right! _Pre._ (_to Lara._) Go! I beseech you, go! _Vic._ I shall have business with you, count, anon! _Lara._ You cannot come too soon! [_Exit._ _Pre._ Victorian! O we have been betray’d! _Vic._ Ha! ha! betrayed! ’Tis I have been betrayed, not we!—not we! _Pre._ Dost thou imagine— _Vic._ I imagine nothing; I see how ’tis thou whilest the time away When I am gone!