_Ant._ Why, Nina, I've a letter from Toledo, that states that you are dead; you died a treble death, yourself and twins. _Nina._ What? _Ant._ Twins, my love, sweet pledges of affection. I've the letter in my pocket; I've kept it there for months, pored over it for weeks, and cried over it for days. (_Fumbles in his pocket._) Now I recollect it is in the pocket of my gala suit. What an infamous forgery! Come to my arms, my dear lamented, but now recovered wife! _Nina._ Keep off, you wretch! What did you say just now? "I've loved you long, and ne'er have said so much to any woman breathing." _Ant._ Well, my love, no more I had, except to yourself; and you I thought were dead. Why, my dearest Nina, it is a proof of my constancy. When I first saw you, I said to myself "that is the only woman I ever saw with a foot and ankle so pretty as my Nina's;" and the more I looked at you, the more your sweet figure reminded me of yourself. In fact, it was your likeness to yourself that created the first emotion in my widowed heart. Had I fallen in love with anybody else, my dearest Nina, you might have cause for anger; but I assert, to fall in love with my own wife proves me a paragon of fidelity. _Nina._ O, Lopez, could I but believe you! [_Antonio turns away and takes out his handkerchief._] (_Aside._) As my master says (_turning to Nina_), "Lay bare my heart, my Nina, read each thought, And there your image, deeply graven, find." [_She turns away. He pretends to be much affected; at last she embraces him._ _Ant._ (_Aside._) Into her arms and out of that scrape, thank my wits! (_Aloud._) And now, my love, how long have you resided in this city? _Nina._ But a few days. I serve the Donna Isidora. I was left behind in sickness, at their country seat, some time ago, and but now have joined her. Where have you been, my dear Lopez? _Ant._ Wandering about everywhere and anywhere, a lost man, since I heard of your loss;--yes, a miserable man. But of that hereafter. What seek you now? _Nina._ The lacquey of Don Gaspar, called Antonio;--can you assist me, as I am in haste? _Ant._ Why yes, I think I can. Behold him here; I am that same Antonio, and, for my sins, Don Gaspar's lacquey. _Nina_ (_walking away angrily_). It was convenient, perhaps, for you to change your name. You are Antonio, indeed! _Ant._ No, my dear wife; but it made me feel more happy (_placing his arm round her waist_). You used to call me Lopez; dearest Lopez; and when I thought you dead, the very name, when summoned by my masters, reminded me of your dear self. I could not bear it; so I changed my name. _Nina._ Dear Lopez! And do you really tell the truth? [_Antonio kisses her._] _Enter Beppa._ _Ant._ By this kiss I do! _Bep._ (_aside_). So, so, good husband! I have long suspected this. I'll watch your motions. _Nina._ Well then, dear Lopez, you must give this letter to your master. He must not fail to-night. When shall I see you?