Act 1 — SCENE IV
Hannah Lynch translation
Teodora, Ernest, Doña Mercedes, and Don Severo. The latter remain standing behind as they enter. The room is quite dark, save for a glimmer of light shed from the balcony, whither Ernest and Teodora have moved.
Ernest. How good you are!
Teodora. And you, what a boy! After to-day I hope you have done with sadness—eh?
Ernest. Quite.
Mercedes. [Outside, speaking low.] How dark it is!
Severo. [In same tone.] Come away, Mercedes.
Mercedes. [Crossing the threshold.] There is nobody here.
Severo. [Detaining her.] Yes, there is. [Both stand a while peering.]
Ernest. Teodora, my whole life, a thousand lives would still not be enough to offer you in return for your kindness. Don't judge me by my morose temper. I cannot lend a showy front to my affections, but, believe me, I do know how to love—and hate as well. My heart can beat to bursting under the lash of either sentiment.
Mercedes. [To Severo.] What are they saying?
Severo. Something odd, but I hear imperfectly. [Teodora and Ernest go out on the balcony, speaking low.]
Mercedes. 'Tis Ernest.
Severo. And she—I suppose—is——
Mercedes. Teodora.
26Severo. Their eternal tricks—always together. I can stand no more of this. And their words? I mustn't put it off any longer——
Mercedes. True, Severo. Come away. It is certainly your duty, since everybody is talking.
Severo. Yes, I must open Julian's eyes—to-day, at once.
Mercedes. The fellow has impudence enough, and to spare.
Severo. By all that's holy—so has she.
Mercedes. Poor girl! She's but a child. Leave her to me.
Teodora. Another house? Surely no. You wouldn't leave us? What an idea! Julian would never consent.
Severo. [To Doña Mercedes.] I should think not indeed, neither would I. [Aloud.] Ah, Teodora, you didn't see me? This is how you receive your guests.
Teodora. [Coming from the balcony.] Don Severo! I am delighted.
Mercedes. Is there no dinner this evening? It's near the hour.
Teodora. Mercedes too!
Mercedes. Yes, Teodora.
Severo. [Aside.] She is a capital actress. What a creature!
Teodora. I must ring for lights. [Touches the bell on the table.]
Severo. Quite so. Every one likes plenty of light.
Servant. Madam?
Teodora. Bring the lamps, Genaro. [Exit servant.]
27Severo. He who follows the narrow path of loyalty and duty, and is always that which he appears to be, need never fear the light, nor blush in its glare.
[The servant enters with lamps, the stage is brilliantly
illuminated. After a pause.]
Teodora. [Laughing naturally.] So I should think, and such, I imagine, is the general opinion. [Looks at Mercedes.]
Mercedes. I suppose so.
Severo. Hulloa, Don Ernest! what were you doing out there? Were you with Teodora when we came in! [Speaks with marked intention.]
Ernest. [Coldly.] I was here as you see.
Severo. The deuce you were! It is rather dark to see. [Approaches him with outstretched hand, looking fixedly at him. Teodora and Mercedes converse apart. Aside.] His face is flushed, and he appears to have been crying. In this world only children and lovers weep. [Aloud.] And Julian?
Teodora. He went away to write a letter.
Ernest. [Aside.] Though I have patience to spare, this man tries me hard.
Severo. [To Teodora.] I am going to see him. There is still time before dinner?
Teodora. Plenty.
Severo. Good. Then to work. [Aside, rubbing his hands, and looking back at Ernest and Teodora. Aloud.] Goodbye.
Teodora. Goodbye.
Severo. [Rancorously, from the door.] My faith!
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