SCENE NINTH Faustine (alone) We must baffle the plans of Monipodio. Quinola fears he has received the order to get rid of Fontanares; it is too bad that there should be ground for such a fear. SCENE TENTH Faustine and Don Fregose. Faustine Your arrival is timely, senor, I wish to ask a favor of you. Don Fregose Say, rather, that you wish to confer one on me. Faustine Monipodio must disappear from Barcelona--yea, and from Catalonia, within two hours; send him to Africa. Don Fregose What has he done to you? Faustine Nothing. Don Fregose Well, what is your reason. Faustine Simply because--You understand? Don Fregose Your wish shall be obeyed. (He writes.) SCENE ELEVENTH The same persons and Sarpi. Faustine Have you made the necessary preparations, cousin, for your immediate marriage with Marie Lothundiaz? Sarpi I have, and her good father has taken care that the contract should be ready. Faustine That is well! Send word to the convent of the Dominicans. The rich heiress will freely consent to be wedded to you at midnight; she will accept any conditions, when she sees (whispering to Sarpi) Fontanares in the hands of justice. Sarpi I quite understand, and the only thing now is to have him arrested. My good fortune seems invincible! And--I owe it all to you. (Aside) What instrument is there more powerful than the hatred of a woman! Don Fregose Sarpi, see that this order is strictly carried out and with no delay. (Exit Sarpi.) SCENE TWELFTH The same persons excepting Sarpi. Don Fregose And what of your own marriage? Faustine My lord, I can think of nothing at present except the coming banquet; you shall have my answer this evening. (Fontanares appears.) (Aside) Oh, there he comes! (To Fregose) If you love me, leave me a while. Don Fregose Alone with him? Faustine Yes, so I desire. Don Fregose After all he loves no one but his Marie Lothundiaz. (Exit.) SCENE THIRTEENTH Faustine and Fontanares. Fontanares The palace of the king of Spain is not more splendid than yours, senora, and you here display all the pomp of royalty. Faustine Listen to me, dear Fontanares. Fontanares Dear! Ah! senora, you have taught me to distrust such words as that!