Teodora and Ernest. [Separating.] No.
D. Julian. Why don't they come to me? Teodora!
Teodora. [Stretches out her arms but does not advance.] Julian!
D. Julian. Here in my arms. [Teodora runs forward and flings herself into Don Julian's arms, who clasps her feverishly. Pause.] You see—you see—[to Don Severo] I know well enough they are deceiving me. I hold her thus in my arms. I crush and subdue her—I might kill her—so! and 'tis only what she deserves. But I look at her—I look at her—and then I cannot!
Teodora. Julian
D. Julian. [Pointing to Ernest.] And that fellow?
Ernest. Sir!
D. Julian. I loved him! Silence, and come hither. [Ernest approaches.] You see, I am still her owner. [He holds Teodora more tightly clasped.]
Teodora. Yes,—I am yours.
D. Julian. Drop pretence. Don't lie.
Mercedes. [Striving to soothe him.] For pity's sake
D. Severo. Julian!
D. Julian. [To both.] Peace. [To Teodora.] I see through you. I know well that you love him. [Teodora and Ernest try to protest, but he will not let them.] All Madrid knows it too—all Madrid.
Ernest. No, father.
Teodora. No.
D. Julian. They deny it—they deny it! Why, it is as clear as noonday. Why, I feel it in every fibre,—by the
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