Don Lorenzo. Another step.
Dr. Tomás. One more effort—the last. [They help her to the sofa, where she sits down. The rest stand round her.]
Juana. I should like to kiss her. [Points to Inés, who comes nearer. Juana takes her hand and draws her to her.] No, your hand is warm and my breath is ice. I may not kiss you! It would be to give you the kiss of death. [Pushes her gently away and lets her hand fall.] Not with the lips, but in thought do I kiss you.
Dr. Tomás. [To Edward and Inés.] Come away. The poor woman wants to be alone with him. [To Juana.] Till later, and courage. Your pains are over.
Juana. Yes, those of this world.
Inés. Poor woman! [Stands and looks at her.]
Edward. Come, my darling. [Exeunt Dr Tomás, Inés, and Edward, R.]
SCENE VII
Don Lorenzo and Juana.
Juana. [After a pause.] Have they already gone?
Don Lorenzo. Yes, dear Juana. We are alone.
Juana. At last. At last has come the hour so long desired. All things come—and all things pass! Listen to me, Lorenzo. Life is slipping from me so quickly, so quickly, and I have still so many things to say to you. The first is—I am innocent. I did not think—I did not want—I did[Tears interrupt her.]
Don Lorenzo. I know it, Juana—I know it.
Juana. You do not know. Everything is against me—everything.
Don Lorenzo. I beg you not to worry yourself in this way. Forget all, and rest.
120
