SCENE II

NATO [_entering at right_]. Mamma! O aunt, are you here, too? [_Hugs her and kisses her_.

CHACHO. O my only treasure! [_Kisses her_.] How fresh and pretty you are! Where are you going? Are you going out when I have just come?

NATO. What are you saying, dear aunt? I will come back again immediately. I am only going to make a few purchases at the bazaar. [_Turning to Salome_] Dear mamma---- [_They begin to speak together in a low tone_.

CHACHO [_aside_]. Yes, yes, her father is right! [_Aloud._] I will go and see what the children are doing [_trying to rise_]. Come here, you pretty rogue, and give me your hand. I feel exhausted. [_Nato helps her_.

SALOME [_offering her hand_]. Let me help you, too.

CHACHO. May God give you health and a life as long as mine! [_To Nato:_] O my heart's angel--if only I have my wish and see you wear the bridal wreath!

SALOME. God grant it, dear aunt!

CHACHO. He will, he will, my child! [_Going toward the entrance._] Good heaven! how old I have grown! [_Goes out at the left._