Act 2 — SCENE VI

Ernest, Pepito, and Servant.

Servant. [Mysteriously.] Somebody wants to see you, sir.

Ernest. Who?

Servant. A lady.

Ernest. How extraordinary!

Pepito. [Aside to servant.] What does she want?

Servant. [To Pepito.] She is crying.

Pepito. [Aloud.] Is she young?

Servant. Really, sir, I can't say. It's very dark outside, and the lady's face is so thickly veiled that the devil himself couldn't tell what she's like, and she speaks so low you can't even hear her.

Ernest. Who can she be?

Pepito. Who could want to see you?

Ernest. I cannot think.

Pepito. [Aside.] This is startling. [Takes up his hat and holds out his hand.] Well, I'll leave you in peace. Good-bye and good luck. [To the servant.] What are you waiting for, you booby?

Servant. For orders to show the lady in.

Pepito. In such a case 'tis your business to anticipate 56them. And afterwards, until the veiled one has departed, you mustn't let any one in unless the sky were falling.

Servant. Then I am to show her in?

Ernest. Yes. [To Pepito at the door.] Good-bye.

Pepito. Good-bye, Ernest. [Exeunt servant and Pepito.]

Ernest. A lady? on what pretext? What does this mean? [Enter Teodora, thickly veiled; she stands without approaching.] Ah, there she is!