Fontanares You demanded it by legal process two months ago, the very next day after it was due. Mathieu Magis I did it without thought of annoying you, merely as a formality. Fontanares And what do you want now? Mathieu Magis You are to-day my debtor. Fontanares Eight months gone already? It has passed like a dream! And I was proposing to myself this evening the solution of the problem how to introduce cold water, so as to dissolve the steam! Magis, my dear friend, assist me in this matter, be my protector, and give me a few days more? Mathieu Magis As many as you desire. Quinola Do you mean it? This is the first appearance of the other man. (To Fontanares) Senor, I shall make the gentleman my friend. (To Magis) I appeal to the two Magises and ask if they will give us the sight of a few doubloons! Fontanares Ah! I begin to breathe freely. Mathieu Magis That can easily be managed. I am to-day not merely your money-lender, I am money-lender and co-proprietor, and I wish to draw out my share in the property. Quinola Double man, and triple dog! Mathieu Magis Capital has nothing to do with faith-- Quinola Or with hope and charity; crowns are not Catholics. Mathieu Magis When a man comes and asks us to discount a bill, we cannot say: "Wait a bit; we have a man of genius at work trying to find a gold mine in a garret or a stable!" No, indeed! Why in six months I could have doubled those ducats over again. Besides, senor, I have a small family. Fontanares (to Quinola) That creature has a wife! Quinola Yes, and if she brings forth young they will eat up Catalonia. Mathieu Magis I have heavy expenses. Fontanares You see how I live. Mathieu Magis Ah! If I were rich, I would lend you (Quinola holds out his hands) the wherewith to live better. Fontanares Wait fifteen days longer. Mathieu Magis (aside) This cuts me to the heart. If the matter concerned only myself I would perhaps let it go, but I must earn what has been promised me, which is to be my daughter's dowry. (Aloud) Now really, I have a great regard for you, you please me immensely-- Quinola (aside) To think that it would be a crime to strangle him! Fontanares You are of iron; I shall show myself as hard as steel. Mathieu Magis What do you mean, senor? Fontanares You shall help me, whether you would or not. Mathieu Magis I will not! I want my capital! And would think nothing of seizing and selling all this iron work. Fontanares You compel me to meet trick with trick. I was proceeding with my work honestly! Now, if necessary, following your example, I shall leave the straight path. I shall be of course accused, as if perfection could be expected of me. But I do not mind calumny. But to have this cup to drink is too much. You made a senseless contract with me, you now shall sign another, or you will see me dash my work to fragments, and keep my secret buried here. (He strikes his hand on his heart.)