Isaac. O Lud, no! there lies the jest. Don’t you see that, by this step, I over-reach him? I shall be entitled to the girl’s fortune, without settling a ducat on her. Ha! ha! ha! I’m a cunning dog, an’t I? a sly little villain, eh?

Don Ant. Ha! ha! ha! you are indeed!

Isaac. Roguish, you’ll say, but keen, eh? devilish keen?

Don Ant. So you are indeed—keen—very keen.

Isaac. And what a laugh we shall have at Don Jerome’s when the truth comes out! hey?

Don. Louisa. Yes, I’ll answer for it, we shall have a good laugh, when the truth comes out. Ha! ha! ha!

Re-enter Don Carlos.

Don Car. Here are the dancers come to practise the fandango you intended to have honoured Donna Louisa with.

Isaac. Oh, I shan’t want them; but, as I must pay them, I’ll see a caper for my money. Will you excuse me?

Don. Louisa. Willingly.

Isaac. Here’s my friend, whom you may command for any service Madam, your most obedient—Antonio, I wish you all happiness—[Aside.] Oh, the easy blockhead! what a tool I have made of him!—This was a masterpiece!

[Exit.

Don. Louisa. Carlos, will you be my guard again, and convey me to the convent of St. Catharine?

Don Ant. Why, Louisa—why should you go there?

Don Louisa. I have my reasons, and you must not be seen to go with me; I shall write from thence to my father; perhaps, when he finds what he has driven me to, he may relent.

Don Ant. I have no hope from him. O Louisa! in these arms should be your sanctuary.

Don. Louisa. Be patient but for a little while—my father cannot force me from thence. But let me see you there before evening, and I will explain myself.

Don Ant. I shall obey.

Don. Louisa. Come, friend. Antonio, Carlos has been a lover himself.

Don Ant. Then he knows the value of his trust.

Don Car. You shall not find me unfaithful.

Trio.

Soft pity never leaves the gentle breast
Where love has been received a welcome guest;
As wandering saints poor huts have sacred made,
He hallows every heart he once has sway’d,
And, when his presence we no longer share,
Still leaves compassion as a relic there.

[Exeunt.