Count. Baron _from the inn. Then_ Tognino.
_Baron._ What! you abandon me?
_Count._ I saw you were not inclined to talk.
_Baron._ Yes, it is true. I can't resign myself. Tell me, do you think
we might go now and try to see those ladies once more.
_Count._ Why not? I have a happy thought! Shall I make you a present,--a
present that will make you cut a good figure in Signorina Candida's
eyes?
_Baron._ What is this present?
_Count._ You know she broke her fan this morning.
_Baron._ Yes, I heard of it.
_Count._ Here is a fan. Let us go and find her and give her this one
from you. [_Gives it to the_ Baron.] Look, it is not ugly.
_Baron._ You want me then to--
_Count._ Yes, you give it. I do not want to have any merit in the
matter. I leave all the honour to you.
_Baron._ I gladly accept this excuse, but you will at least let me know
what it cost?
_Count._ Oh, a trifle.
_Baron._ Nevertheless, kindly tell me the price.
_Count._ But to what end? Did you not give me a present of two pistols?
_Baron._ I do not know what to say. Well, I accept your present
gratefully.--[_Aside._] Where did he find this fan? It seems to me
impossible that he bought it.
_Count._ Well, what do you say to it? Isn't it a pretty thing? And just
in the nick of time! Oh, I understand these things, I have much
experience. I am well provided. There is a whole room full of nick-nacks
for ladies. But do not let us waste time. Let us go. [_Rings at_ Signora
Geltrude's _house._]
_Tognino._ [_From the terrace._] What do you wish, gentlemen?
_Count._ Will the ladies receive us?
_Tognino._ Signora Geltrude is out, and Signorina Candida is resting in
her room.
_Count._ Let us know as soon as she is awake.
_Tognino._ Yes, sir. [_Exit._
_Count._ Did you hear?
_Baron._ Well, we must just wait. I have to write a letter to Milan; I
will go and write it at the apothecary's. If you will come too--
_Count._ No; I don't like going to that man's house. Go and write your
letter, and I will wait here till the servant calls us.
_Baron._ Very well. As soon as you want me, I am at your service.
_Count._ Count on me, do not fear.
_Baron._ [_Aside._] I do not count on him, and still less on the aunt,
and yet less on the niece. [_Goes to_ Timoteo's.]
_Count._ I will amuse myself with my book, with my beautiful collection
of wonderful fables. [_Pulls out his book, seats himself, and reads._]