Trappolo—That dog always has good profit. He wins on the cards, he profits by usury, he shares with the sharpers. He is sure of all the money of whoever enters there. That poor Signor Eugenio—he has taken a header! Ridolfo—Just look at him, how little sense he has! With a wife, a young woman of grace and sense,—but he runs after every petticoat; and then he plays like a madman. But come, go roast the coffee and make a fresh supply. Trappolo—Shan't I warm over yesterday's supply? Ridolfo—No, make it good. Trappolo—Master has a short memory. How long since this shop opened? Ridolfo—You know very well. 'Tis about eight months. Trappolo—Then 'tis time for a change. Ridolfo—What do you mean by that? Trappolo—When a new shop opens, they make perfect coffee. After six months,—hot water, thin broth. [Exit.] Ridolfo—He's a wit. I'm in hopes he'll help the shop. To a shop where there's a fun-maker every one goes.[Pg 6489] Pandolfo, keeper of the gambling-house, comes in, rubbing his eyes sleepily Ridolfo—Master Pandolfo, will you have coffee? Pandolfo—Yes, if you please. Ridolfo—Boys, serve coffee for Master Pandolfo. Be seated. Make yourself comfortable. Pandolfo—No, no, I must drink it at once and get back to work. Ridolfo—Are they playing yet in the shop? Pandolfo—They are busy at two tables. Ridolfo—So early? Pandolfo—They are at it since yesterday. Ridolfo—What game? Pandolfo—An innocent game: "first and second" [i.e., faro]. Ridolfo—And how does it go? Pandolfo—For me it goes well. Ridolfo—Have you amused yourself playing too? Pandolfo—Yes, I took a little hand also. Ridolfo—Excuse me, my friend; I've no business to meddle in your affairs, but—it doesn't look well when the master of the shop plays; because if he loses he's laughed at, and if he wins he's suspected. Pandolfo—I am content if they haven't the laugh on me. As for the rest, let them suspect as they please; I pay no attention. Ridolfo—Dear friend, we are neighbors; I shouldn't want you to get into trouble. You know, by your play before you have brought up in the court. Pandolfo—I'm easily satisfied. I won a pair of sequins, and wanted no more. Ridolfo—That's right. Pluck the quail without making it cry out. From whom did you win them? Pandolfo—A jeweler's boy. Ridolfo—Bad. Very bad. That tempts the boys to rob their masters. Pandolfo—Oh, don't moralize to me. Let the greenhorns stay at home. I keep open for any one who wants to play. Ridolfo—And has Signor Eugenio been playing this past night? Pandolfo—He's playing yet. He hasn't dined, he hasn't slept, and he's lost all his money.[Pg 6490] Ridolfo [aside]—Poor young man! [Aloud.] And how much has he lost? Pandolfo—A hundred sequins in cash: and now he is playing on credit. Ridolfo—With whom is he playing? Pandolfo—With the count. Ridolfo—And whom else? Pandolfo—With him alone.