Lara.  First, what right have you
To question thus a nobleman of Spain?

Vict.  I too am noble, and you are no more! 
Out of my sight!

Lara.  Are you the master here?

Vict.  Ay, here and elsewhere, when the wrong of others
Gives me the right!

Prec. (to Lara).  Go!  I beseech you, go!

Vict.  I shall have business with you, Count, anon!

Lara.  You cannot come too soon!
[Exit.

Prec.  Victorian! 
O, we have been betrayed!

Vict.  Ha! ha! betrayed! 
’T is I have been betrayed, not we!—­not we!

Prec.  Dost thou imagine—­

Vict.  I imagine nothing;
I see how ’t is thou whilest the time away
When I am gone!

Prec.  O speak not in that tone! 
It wounds me deeply.

  Vict.  ’T was not meant to flatter.

Prec.  Too well thou knowest the presence of that man
Is hateful to me!

Vict.  Yet I saw thee stand
And listen to him, when he told his love.

  Prec.  I did not heed his words.

Vict.  Indeed thou didst,
And answeredst them with love.

  Prec.  Hadst thou heard all—­

  Vict.  I heard enough.

  Prec.  Be not so angry with me.

  Vict.  I am not angry; I am very calm.

  Prec.  If thou wilt let me speak—­

Vict.  Nay, say no more. 
I know too much already.  Thou art false! 
I do not like these Gypsy marriages! 
Where is the ring I gave thee?

  Prec.  In my casket.

Vict.  There let it rest!  I would not have thee wear it: 
I thought thee spotless, and thou art polluted!

  Prec.  I call the Heavens to witness—­

Vict.  Nay, nay, nay! 
Take not the name of Heaven upon thy lips! 
They are forsworn!

  Prec.  Victorian! dear Victorian!

Vict.  I gave up all for thee; myself, my fame,
My hopes of fortune, ay, my very soul! 
And thou hast been my ruin!  Now, go on! 
Laugh at my folly with thy paramour,
And, sitting on the Count of Lara’s knee,
Say what a poor, fond fool Victorian was!

(He casts her from him and rushes out.)

  Prec.  And this from thee!

(Scene closes.)

Scene V. —­ The count of Lara’s rooms.  Enter the count.

Lara.  There’s nothing in this world so sweet as love,
And next to love the sweetest thing is hate! 
I’ve learned to hate, and therefore am revenged. 
A silly girl to play the prude with me! 
The fire that I have kindled—­

(Enter Francisco.)

Well, Francisco,
What tidings from Don Juan?

Fran.  Good, my lord;
He will be present.

  Lara.  And the Duke of Lermos?