ASC. For a certain reason. You shall know my secret when I know yours.

VAL. I must have another person's permission before I can discover it to
you.

ASC. Obtain it then; and when we shall have explained ourselves we shall
see which of us two will best keep his word.

VAL. Farewell, I accept your offer.

ASC. And I will be bound by it, Valere. (_Exit Valere_.)

FROS. He thinks you will help him as a brother.




SCENE III.--LUCILE, ASCANIO, MARINETTE, FROSINE.


LUC. (_Saying the first words to Marinette_). I have done it; it is
thus I can revenge myself; if this step torments him, it will be a great
consolation to me... Brother, you perceive a change in me; I am resolved
to love Valere, after so much ill-usage; he shall become the object of
my affection.

ASC. What do you say, sister? How do you change so suddenly? This
inconstancy seems to me very strange.