Don Lorenzo. [Firing.] All the same, I persist in saying that Juana accused, Juana on the bench of infamy, Juana in shameful seclusion, was innocent, and that human justice erred.
Dr. Tomás. Appearances
Don Lorenzo. Not infrequently deceive.
Dr. Tomás. Then how do you explain it?
Don Lorenzo. There must be an explanation. There is some mystery which we do not understand.
Dr. Tomás. [To Doña Ángela] Now he is off on the hunt of mysteries—in a search for a supernatural explanation of an act that to my mind finds a very natural and simple explanation in human frailty.
Don Lorenzo. But I know that my poor nurse was incapable of an action so base. I would have defended her if the illness that prostrated me after my mother's death had not prevented me. And as soon as I obtained her freedom, the poor woman disappeared, which fact caused me many a bitter tear. God knows how unweariedly I sought her everywhere. God knows how I longed for her return to me—and she!—how cruel of her! Why did she not come back? No, Juana, my good friend, you must not die until I have clasped you once more in my arms, until I have given you back your farewell kiss. [With increasing agitation touches a bell and servant in livery appears.] Say—a carriage—at once—instantly—I am going to bring her back here—this very moment. Do you not feel that it is my duty, Ángela—and you, too, Inés?
Doña Ángela. In any case it is a work of charity.
Don Lorenzo. It is a just reparation. [Exit by door L.]
Dr. Tomás. He is the best of men, and the most credulous. He will believe, as an article of faith, any-
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