NATO [_entering at right_]. Mamma! O aunt, are you here, too?
[_Hugs her and kisses her_.
CHACHO. O my only treasure! [_Kisses her_.] How fresh and pretty you
are! Where are you going? Are you going out when I have just come?
NATO. What are you saying, dear aunt? I will come back again
immediately. I am only going to make a few purchases at the bazaar.
[_Turning to Salome_] Dear mamma----
[_They begin to speak together in a low tone_.
CHACHO [_aside_]. Yes, yes, her father is right! [_Aloud._] I will go
and see what the children are doing [_trying to rise_]. Come here, you
pretty rogue, and give me your hand. I feel exhausted.
[_Nato helps her_.
SALOME [_offering her hand_]. Let me help you, too.
CHACHO. May God give you health and a life as long as mine! [_To Nato:_]
O my heart's angel--if only I have my wish and see you wear the bridal
wreath!
SALOME. God grant it, dear aunt!
CHACHO. He will, he will, my child! [_Going toward the entrance._] Good
heaven! how old I have grown!
[_Goes out at the left._