Teodora. He is fond of Julian.
Mercedes. He would betray him.
Teodora. Again! My God!
Mercedes. I no longer accuse you of responding to his passion, but I only assert—I would warn you that he loves you.
Teodora. [Rising in anger.] Loves me!
Mercedes. It is known to everybody. In this very room, a moment ago, before Pepito and me—you understand?
Teodora. No, explain at once—what?
Mercedes. He openly confessed it. He made a violent declaration, swore that he was ready to sacrifice life, honour, soul and conscience for you. And when you came, he wanted to see you. He only yielded to the force of my entreaties and went away. I tremble lest he should meet Severo and their encounter lead to an explosion. And you—what have you to say now?
Teodora. [Who has listened to Mercedes intently, held in an indefinable gloomy terror.] Heavens above! Can it be true? and I who felt—who professed so sincere an affection for him!
Mercedes. There, you are on the point of crying again.
Teodora. The heart has no tears for the manifold deceptions of this miserable life. A lad so pure and finely natured,—and to see him now so debased and spotted! And you say that he actually uttered those words here—he!—Ernest. Oh, oh, Mercedes! send him away from this house.
Mercedes. Ah, that is what I wanted. Your energy consoles me. [With evidence of honest satisfaction.] Pardon me—now I fully believe you. [Embraces her.]
Teodora. And before? No? [The actress must strongly accentuate this line.]
80
