“I’d not know what to do with them. I--I only wish but _one_.” “And every woman in the place would hate you.” “What are they to me!” “Or if you’d marry a rich man.” “I’m rich enough already.” “A count, a marquis.” “Good, if named Nemorino.” “And my philtre!” “You may swallow it yourself.” “I rather think Adina knows a good deal more than I. But I also think Adina for all girls don’t reply.” “He _shall_ come back to me,” said the little woman to herself, “he shall, he shall! A look, a smile, a little frown, and he is at my feet. For I _have_ the elixir, here, in my face, here, in my eyes.” And away she went to find Nemorino. If she had only looked behind her now. For there he was; and as she fluttered away, he came a few steps forward. As a clear evidence how fond he was of her in this, that he was sorry he had gone away with Gianetta, perchance the mercenary. Indeed, he thought he had marked a furtive tear or so in Adina’s eyes; and, very softly, he thought to-- “O, Nemorino! what, left the dancing?” “Yes, I was tired.” “What, and left Gianetta?” “Yes; for I was tired of her, too. You see, when a poor youth is loved by _all_ the girls, he need not care for _one_ only. Heigho! they all want to marry.” “Well, they can’t all marry you; and what do you say?” “_I_ don’t know.” “Now listen to me,” said the maiden, coming up close to him. “Well, Adina (she’s going to confess.)” “Why--why are you going to leave us? Why are you going away for a soldier?” “Going to seek my fortune, Adina.” “But--but we _all_ like you here. And--and we should _all_ be _so_ sorry to part with you. And--and” (here the little right hand went to the little natty apron-pocket, and brought out a paper.) “And--and _I’ve bought your discharge_.” “Ha! you love me!” “Love you? We _all_ love you--like you. There, take the paper. And pray keep amongst us. I dare say _you will find somebody you can fall head over ears in love with_; for I’m sure we _all_ like you. _Good_ bye.” “But this isn’t confessing!” “_Good_ bye, Nemorino.” “But--but you’re not going like that!” “Why, what more can you want? you have your discharge. _Good_ bye, Nemorino.” “Oh, good bye; only you have forgotten something.” “Indeed--what?” “The discharge. Take it. I shall remain a soldier. For the doctor has deceived me; and--and--God bless you, and good bye, Adina.” “Oh, no, no, no, no. He has not deceived you. I--I want to make you as happy as I have made you wretched. I--I _know_ you love me, and--and I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART!” “THE ELIXIR!” “Hi! hi! hi! what’s this? what’s this? Can Sergeant Belcore believe his handsome eyes!” “If he can’t, he must believe Adina’s tongue. My husband, Sergeant Belcore.” “Your husband, ma’am; your husband! Keep him. Sergeant Belcore won’t break his heart for _one_ woman.”