If only I can obtain this influence I will guarantee
you success, and you shall then marry your Marie.
Fontanares
By what means?
Quinola
My dear senor, by mounting on the shoulders of a man who sees a long
distance, as you do, any one can see farther still. You are an
inventor, very good; but I am inventive. You saved me from--I needn't
say what! I, in turn, will deliver you from the talons of envy and
from the clutches of cupidity. Here is gold for us; come dress
yourself, make yourself fine, take courage; you are on the eve of
triumph. But above all things, behave graciously towards Senora
Brancadori.
Fontanares
You must at least tell me, how are you going to effect this?
Quinola
No, senor, if you knew my secret, all would be ruined; you are a man
of talent, and a man of talent is always simple as a child.
(Exeunt.)
SCENE SEVENTH
(The setting represents the drawing-room in Senora Brancadori's
palace.)
Faustine (alone)
The hour is come, to which all my efforts for the last fourteen months
have been looking for fulfillment. In a few moments Fontanares will
see that Marie is forever lost to him. Avaloros, Sarpi and I have
lulled the genius to forgetfulness, and have brought the man up to the
very day when his experiment was to have taken place, so that he
stands helpless and destitute. Oh! how totally is he in my power, just
as I had wished! But does a person ever change from contempt to love?
No, never.
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