SCENE TWENTY-SECOND
Faustine and Mathieu Magis.
Mathieu Magis
I am told the senora has need of my poor services.
Faustine
Pray tell me, who are you?
Mathieu Magis
Mathieu Magis, a poor Lombard of Milan, at your service.
Faustine
You lend money?
Mathieu Magis
I lend it on good security--diamonds or gold--a very poor business.
Our losses are overwhelming, senora. And at present money seems
actually to be asleep. The raising of maravedis is the hardest of
farm-labor. One unfortunate deal carries off the profits of ten lucky
strokes, for we risk a thousand doubloons in the hands of a prodigal
for three hundred doubloons profit. The world is very unjust to us.
Faustine
Are you a Jew?
Mathieu Magis
In what sense do you mean?
Faustine
In religion.
Mathieu Magis
I am a Lombard and a Catholic, senora.
Faustine
You disappoint me.
Mathieu Magis
Senora would have wished--
Faustine
I would have wished that you were in the clutches of the Inquisition.
Mathieu Magis
Why so?
Faustine
That I might be certain of your fidelity.
Mathieu Magis
I keep many secrets in my strong box, senora.
Faustine
If I had your fortune in my power--
Mathieu Magis
You would have my soul.
Faustine (aside)
The only way to gain this man's adherence is by appealing to his
self-interest, that is plain. (Aloud) You lend--
Mathieu Magis
At twenty per cent.
Faustine
You don't understand what I mean.
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