Faustine (aside as she rises from her seat)
What strength in weakness and innocence! (Aloud) You have never left
your father's house, you know nothing of the world nor of its
hardships, which are terrible! A man often dies from having met with a
woman who loves him too much, or one who loves him not at all;
Fontanares may find himself in this situation. He has powerful
enemies; his glory, which is all he lives for, is in their hands; you
may disarm them.
Marie
What must I do?
Faustine
By marrying Sarpi, you will assure the triumph of your dear
Fontanares; but no woman would counsel such a sacrifice; it must come,
it will come from you. At first you must dissemble. Leave Barcelona
for a time. Retire to a convent.
Marie
And never see him again? Ah! If you knew--he passes every day at a
certain hour under my windows, and that hour is all the day to me.
Faustine (aside)
She stabs me to the heart! Oh! She shall be Countess Sarpi.
SCENE FIFTEENTH
The same persons and Fontanares.
Fontanares (to Faustine)
Senora. (He kisses her hand.)
Marie (aside)
What a pang I feel!
Fontanares
Shall I live long enough to testify my gratitude to you? If I achieve
anything, if I make a name, if I attain to happiness, it will be
through you.
Faustine
Why that is nothing! I merely tried to smooth the way for you. I feel
such pity for men of talent in misfortune that you may ever count upon
my help.
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