Act 1 — SCENE VI
Hannah Lynch translation
Inés, Edward, Juana, Don Lorenzo, and Dr. Tomás. Juana appears in door C. supported by Don Lorenzo and Dr. Tomás, stands for breath and then slowly advances; is poorly and darkly clad.
Edward. [Turning round.] What a sombre group! Why does this black cloud come to dim the azure of our heaven?
Inés. It is Juana, my father's nurse. Oh, it is quite a story. I will tell it to you afterwards.
Don Lorenzo. Easy, Juana, easy——
Juana. Who is that young lady?
Don Lorenzo. Inés, my daughter. Come hither, Inés. [Inés approaches, followed by Edward.]
Juana. How very lovely! She looks like an angel. To find such a creature at one's side in the hour of eternal darkness would seem a presage of heaven.
121Don Lorenzo. Another step.
Dr. Tomás. One more effort—the last. [They help her to the sofa, where she sits down. The rest stand round her.]
Juana. I should like to kiss her. [Points to Inés, who comes nearer. Juana takes her hand and draws her to her.] No, your hand is warm and my breath is ice. I may not kiss you! It would be to give you the kiss of death. [Pushes her gently away and lets her hand fall.] Not with the lips, but in thought do I kiss you.
Dr. Tomás. [To Edward and Inés.] Come away. The poor woman wants to be alone with him. [To Juana.] Till later, and courage. Your pains are over.
Juana. Yes, those of this world.
Inés. Poor woman! [Stands and looks at her.]
Edward. Come, my darling.
[Exeunt Dr. Tomás, Inés, and Edward, R.]