Marie Is it possible, father, that a lover could prove false to a love which has spurred him on to work such wonders? Lothundiaz Yes, when he can work them no longer. Marie If he should become a duke, grandee of Spain, and wealthy? Lothundiaz If! If! If! Do you take me for an imbecile? These ifs are the horses that drag to the hospital all these sham world-discoverers. Fontanares But here are the letters in which the king grants to me the use of a ship. Quinola Now open your eyes! My master is at once a man of genius and a handsome youth; genius dulls a man and makes him of no use in a home, I grant you; but the handsome youth is there still; what more is needed by a girl for happiness? Lothundiaz Happiness does to consist in these extremes. A handsome youth and a man of genius,--these, forsooth, are fine reasons for pouring out the treasures of Mexico. My daughter shall be Madame Sarpi. SCENE THIRTEENTH The same persons, and Sarpi (on the balcony). Sarpi (aside) Some one uttered my name. What do I see? It is the heiress and her father! What can they be doing in the square at this hour? Lothundiaz Sarpi has not gone to look for a ship in the harbor of Valladolid, but he gained promotion for my son. Fontanares Do not, Lothundiaz, merely for the sake of your son's advancement, dispose of your daughter's hand without my consent; she loves me and I love her in return. In a short time I shall be (Sarpi appears) one of the most influential men in Spain, and powerful enough to reap my vengeance-- Marie Oh! not upon my father! Fontanares Tell him then Marie, all that I am doing to deserve you. Sarpi (aside) What! A rival? Quinola (to Lothundiaz) Sir, if you don't consent, you are in a fair way to be damned. Lothundiaz Who told you that? Quinola And worse than that,--you are going to be robbed; this I'll swear to. Lothundiaz To prevent my either being robbed or damned I am keeping my daughter for a man who may not have genius, but who has common sense-- Fontanares At least you will give me time-- Sarpi Why give him time? Quinola (to Monipodio) Who can that be? Monipodio Sarpi. Quinola What a bird of prey he looks! Monipodio And he is as difficult to kill. He is the real governor of Barcelona. Lothundiaz My respects to you, honorable secretary! (To Fontanares) Farewell, my friend, your arrival is an excellent reason why I should hurry on the wedding. (To Marie) Come, my daughter, let us go in. (To the duenna) And you, old hag, you'll have to pay for this. Sarpi (to Lothundiaz) This hidalgo seems to have pretensions-- Fontanares (to Sarpi) Nay, I have a right! (Exeunt Marie, the duenna and Lothundiaz.) SCENE FOURTEENTH Monipodio, Sarpi, Fontanares and Quinola.