Olla Podrida Part 16

_Ant._ This is a strange world! What a simpleton is this Don Felix!

First he buys my secret at a heavy price, and then, after two minutes'

deliberation, declares that he will make no use of it, but that I must deliver the message that he gave me. I've no objection. I like to see my betters dismiss each other to the next world;--the more room for those who remain behind, and poor rogues like me are not so much jostled. This world is certainly much too full for comfort. Ah! here comes one that stands a chance of going out of it.

_Enter Don Gaspar._

_Gasp._ Antonio, I must for a time remain concealed. Don Perez is no more, and in this friar's gown, which I put on to elude the bravos, I have convinced the Donna Serafina of my death. Thus do I rid myself of her unwelcome love. Remember, should you meet your wife, I don't know which of them, you will keep my secret. You will remain here in charge till I return.

_Ant._ Most certainly, sir. But I had almost forgotten; I have a message which may interfere with your departure.

_Gasp._ From whom?

_Ant._ Don Felix, sir. The friend of him you slew last night.

_Gasp._ Well, what is this message?

_Ant._ One, sir, that will demand a life--or yours or his. It is so coa.r.s.ely worded that I dare not give it. It will too much provoke you.

_Gasp._ Give it me straight, and let me have it word for word.

_Ant._ He told me first, sir, that you were--a villain.

_Gasp._ (_catching Antonio by the throat_). How, sirrah?

_Ant._ It was not I who said so--'twas Don Felix.

_Gasp._ True. I was hasty. Now proceed.

_Ant._ A villain--of no parentage.

_Gasp._ What? scoundrel!

_Ant._ I have said too much, sir.--You'll excuse the rest.

_Gasp._ (_much irritated_). No, no, no--go on; leave out a word and I will murder you.

_Ant._ (_aside_). Then I stand a bad chance either way, not so amusing as I thought. (_Aloud._) He did say something else, but 'twas of no moment--

_Gasp._ (_putting his hand to his sword_). Your message, to the letter.

_Ant._ A vile impostor.

_Gasp._ (_striking him_). How?

_Ant._ Oh, mercy, sir! you take me for Don Felix.

_Gasp._ I am wrong. (_Throws his purse to Antonio._) You said a villain--of no parentage--a vile impostor--ha! was there any more?

_Ant._ Yes, sir; and which I think I may deliver without farther danger to myself. He added, "If there's manhood in him, he will appoint a time and place, when and where I may meet him."

_Gasp._ I ask no better. Tell him, this evening, at the copse of trees where Perez fell, he may expect me. Take my answer straight.

_Ant._ Shall I go now?

_Gasp._ Yes; fly to his house. Tell him from me--no, no--tell him no more than I have said already, I'll wait for your return. Haste, haste.

[_Exit Antonio._

A villain of no parentage!--Impostor!

A vile impostor!--He but states the truth, Yet will I crush him, that he hath stumbled On that truth. Yes! of no parentage!--Why-- Why is this constant pining of the heart, As if it felt itself defrauded still Of rights inherent? If I'm basely born Why do I spurn the common herd of men?

The eaglet that regains its liberty, Soars to the sun at once--it is its nature: While meaner birds would hop from spray to spray.

Oh! would I had ne'er been born.-- To-morrow I intend to leave for ever Her whom I love--the sacred walls I hate, In some far distant land to die unheeded.

My Isidora has desired my presence, And strange, admits me in the open day.

Within an hour of this she will receive me, Then must I falter out my last adieu.

This evening also I must meet Don Felix.--

_Re-enter Antonio._

So soon return'd! Hast thou then seen him?

_Ant._ I have, sir; I met him as I gained the door, and your message was duly delivered. He answered, that _he_ would not fail, and that he trusted his _sword_ would not fail either.

_Gasp._ Should his sword fail, I must not return for many days; should it not _fail_, I return no more.

But having balanced thus my brief account Of love and hate, I'll quit fair Spain for ever. [_Exit._

_Ant._ (_taking out a purse_). This purse is a heavy one, but not so heavy as the one I received from Don Felix. I hardly dared deliver the message, but there's seldom profit without danger. I will say this for my master, that he knows the salve for every wound. Let me see--one purse for my intelligence, or rather for keeping my master's secret, and another from Don Felix for betraying it--and a third for a blow. Ah!

here comes Beppa. (_Puts up purse hastily._)

_Enter Beppa._

_Bep._ What's that you've put into your pocket?

_Ant._ Only an empty purse.

_Bep._ It appeared to me well filled.

_Ant._ Appearances are very deceitful. How is your mistress?

_Bep._ Alas! she has watched all night--now the tears pouring down her cheeks, whilst heavy sobs hindered all utterance, and then would she turn to rage, and pace her chamber with frantic gestures. Oh! what a wretch is this Don Gaspar!

_Ant._ He fights this evening.

_Bep._ With whom?

_Ant._ Don Felix--a better match for him than Perez.

_Bep._ They say the former's skilled in fence. Heaven grant his sword may prove the master! Where do they meet?

_Ant._ Nay, that's a secret.