Act 1 — SCENE V
Hannah Lynch translation
Teodora, Doña Mercedes, and Ernest. The ladies occupy the sofa, and Ernest stands near them.
Mercedes. [To Ernest.] We did not see you to-day.
Ernest. No, madam.
Mercedes. Nor Pepito?
Ernest. No.
Mercedes. He is upstairs alone.
Ernest. [Aside.] Let him stop there.
Mercedes. [Gravely and mysteriously to Teodora.] I wish he would go. I want to speak to you.
Teodora. Indeed?
Mercedes. [In same tone.] Yes, it is something very serious.
Teodora. Well, begin!
Mercedes. Why doesn't he go?
Teodora. [In a low voice.] I don't understand you.
Mercedes. Courage! [Takes her hand and clasps it affectionately. Teodora looks at her in sombre question.] Send him about his business.
Teodora. If you insist. Ernest, will you do me a favour?
Ernest. Gladly—with a thousand wills.
Mercedes. [Aside.] One were still too many.
Teodora. Then go upstairs—to Pepito——But it might bore you to carry a message.
Ernest. By no means.
Mercedes. [Aside.] In what a sweet, soft voice he speaks to her!
29Teodora. Tell him—ask him if he has renewed our subscription at the Opera as I told him. He knows about it.
Ernest. With pleasure—this very moment.
Teodora. Thanks, Ernest, I am sorry——
Ernest. Nonsense. [Exit.]
Teodora. Adieu!