Teodora. Forgive me if I have offended you.
Ernest. Offended me, no! The truth, that is what I crave,—and I implore it on my knees. See, Teodora, my eyes are wet. [Bends his knee before her and takes her hand. Don Julian's door opens, and Don Severo stands staring at them.]
D. Severo. [Aside.] Miserable pair!
Teodora. Don Severo!
SCENE VIII
Teodora, Ernest, and Don Severo. Ernest stands apart on the right. Don Severo places himself between him and Teodora.
D. Severo. [In a low voice of concentrated anger, so that Don Julian may not hear.] I can find no word or epithet adequate to the passion of contempt I would express, so I must be content to call you a blackguard. Leave this house at once.
Ernest. [Also in a low voice.] My respect for Teodora, for this house, and for the sick man lying in yonder room, sir, compels me to put my retort—in silence.
D. Severo. [Ironically, under the impression that Ernest is going.] It's the best thing you can do—obey and hold your tongue.
Ernest. You have not understood me. I do not intend to obey.
Severo. You remain?
Ernest. Until Teodora commands me to go. I was on the point of going away for ever a moment ago, but the Almighty or the devil deterred me. Now you come and order me out, and as if your insult were an infernal message, it roots my heels to the floor in revolt.
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