_Ant._ I can, but in strict confidence. Pledge me your word you never will divulge, not even to Nina, what I now confide; for the women have the power to sap the stoutest resolution. Swear on your knees. _San._ (_kneeling_). I swear by Petronila, my adopted saint. _Ant._ Well, then, this Lopez was a noisy braggadocio. Last night we had some words whilst waiting near the gate of Donna Serafina. From words we came to weapons, and, by a lucky thrust, I sent his prying soul the devil knows where. His body I secreted in the garden. _San._ I envy you. Would he were alive again, that I might kill him too, my guardian saint assisting! I should be the better welcome. _Ant._ Indeed! _San._ Not that it matters; I am convinced she loves me well. I'll to her straight, and with these welcome tidings make her right happy. _Ant._ Not quite so fast. When that you tell her, she will ask for proofs, and from whence you had your information. _San._ Why, that is true; and she'll never rest till she worms the secret from me: Saint Petronila, lock my breast! _Ant._ Therefore, Sancho, it must appear as if there was no secret. Tell her 'twas by your hand that Lopez fell; I am content that you shall have with her all the credit of the deed. She'll love you better. _San._ Why, so she will. My dear Antonio, you are like my holy saint, a friend indeed! _Ant._ If she doubts the fact, you'll come to me. I'll give you proofs most positive. _San._ Thanks--thanks! _Ant._ Now take advice. Women, like eels, are rather slippery; already she has once slipped through your fingers. Their minds are weathercocks, and there's wind always blowing. Press her, then, hard, and marry her at once. _San._ I will, I will. Thanks, dear Antonio!--Saint Petronila will reward you. _Ant._ I risk much to serve you. You'll meet me here to-night. I must now to confess this heavy deed. You'll come. _San._ I will--addio! [_Exit._ _Ant._ So, so the fondling, ever coaxing Nina Loves this soft fool, and wishes I were dead. I did think better of her. We men deceive, 'tis true; but still no longer Keep on the mask, when we've our purpose gain'd. With us 'tis tiresome; but with the women, 'Tis ne'er removed; for mask'd they live and die! [_Exit._ _Scene II._ _The Monastery._ _Gaspar, as Anselmo, enters with Jacobo._ _Jac._ Twice hath the brother Manuel sought for you; He came from the Superior. _Gasp._ You told him I was absent? _Jac._ I did, and also where you might be found. They sent a messenger, who soon return'd, Declaring there thou hadst not been to-day. _Gasp._ Truly, I had forgotten 'twas the day That I with Don Baltasar did appoint. 'Twas thus my treach'rous memory did beget This chapter of cross purposes. [_Bell without._ _Jac._ Someone rings. That jingling bell pursues me unto death; In faith, this porter's is a tedious office. [_Exit._ _Gasp._ More tedious still the wearing of the knees Upon this pavement. I am weary of it. _Enter Jacobo, with Antonio._