(Aloud) He is very despondent.
Avaloros
The wretched man seems daring enough.
Quinola
Daring without money is naturally amazing to you.
Sarpi (to Quinola)
Will you enter my service?
Quinola
I am too set in my ways to take a master.
Faustine (aside)
He is despondent! (Aloud) Why is it that men like you, Sarpi and
Avaloros, for whom I have done so much, should persecute, instead of
protecting, the poor man of genius who has so lately arrived among us?
(Avaloros and Sarpi are confused.) I cry shame upon you! (To Quinola)
You must explain to me exactly their schemes against your master.
Sarpi (to Faustine)
My dear cousin, it does to need much penetration to divine what malady
it is under which you have labored since the arrival of this
Fontanares.
Avaloros (to Faustine)
You owe me, senora, two thousand doubloons, and you will need to draw
still further on my purse.
Faustine
I? What have I ever asked of you?
Avaloros
Nothing, but you never refuse anything which I am generous enough to
offer you.
Faustine
Your monopoly of the wheat trade is a monstrous abuse.
Avaloros
Senora, I owe you a thousand doubloons.
Faustine
Write me at once a receipt for the two thousand doubloons, and a check
for the like sum which I do not intend to pay you. (To Sarpi) After
having put you in the position in which you now flourish, I warn you
that your best policy is to keep my secret.
Sarpi
My obligations to you are too great to admit of my being ungrateful.
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