Pepito. There. [Enter Don Julian, Don Severo, and Rueda. The two men support Don Julian, who is badly wounded.]
Ernest. Heaven preserve us!
SCENE IX
Ernest, Pepito, Don Julian, Don Severo, and Rueda.
Ernest. Don Julian! my friend, my father, my benefactor! [Hurries excitedly toward him, and speaks brokenly.]
D. Julian. [Weakly.] Ernest!
Ernest. Oh, wretched I!
Severo. Quick, come away.
Ernest. Father!
Severo. He is fainting with pain.
Ernest. For my sake!
Julian. It is not so.
Ernest. Through me—pardon! [Takes Don Julian's hand and bends on one knee before him.]
Julian. No need to ask it, lad. You did your duty, and I did mine.
Severo. A couch. [Loosens his hold of Don Julian, and Pepito takes his place.]
Pepito. [Pointing to the bedroom.] Let us carry him in there.
Ernest. [Shouting terribly.] Nebreda!
Severo. Let there be an end to folly. Is it your intention to kill him outright?
Ernest. [With frenzy.] Folly, oh, we'll see. I have two to avenge now. It is my right. [Rushes down the stage.]
Severo. [Moving to the right.] We'll take him into your
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