in our possession, and hang me if you do not see the marchioness swoon
when she reads it. Believe moreover that I profess, in common with an
immense majority of Spaniards, a deep-seated aversion for--the
gallows.

The Captain
And suppose that some ambitious woman has paid for your life, that she
give it in exchange for another's?

Quinola
Should I be in rags? My life is as good as Caesar's. Look here, my
lord. (He unseals the letter, smells it, folds it up again, and gives
it to him) Are you satisfied?

The Captain (aside)
I have yet time. (To Quinola) Remain where you are, I am going to her.


SCENE SECOND


Quinola (alone, in the front of the stage, looking at the departing
captain)
That is all right! O my dear master, if the torture chamber has not
broken your bones, you are likely to get out of the cells of the holy
--the thrice holy Inquisition--saved by your poor cur Quinola! Poor?
--why should I say poor? My master once free, we will end by cashing
our hopes. To live at Valladolid for six months without money, and
without being nabbed by the alguazils, argues the possession of
certain small talents, which, if applied to--other ends, might bring a