most precious of your possessions [points to Inés], and certainly it is not surprising that you should receive me as an enemy. [Sweetly.]
Don Lorenzo. Fate is my enemy, nobody else, madam.
Inés. [Aside.] Oh, what can have happened?
Duchess. You are right. It is the ruthless enemy of the parents.
Don Lorenzo. Still more so of the children.
Duchess. I do not deny it. But in spite of it, 'tis divine law that governs our human sorrows, and we are forced to respect it. [Makes an effort to turn the conversation, but does not conceal her wonderment.]
Don Lorenzo. Ah, madam, those laws might often prove less cruel if it were only human cruelty that dictated them. [The duchess evinces marked impatience. Edward approaches her. Inés goes to her father, while Doña Ángela and Dr. Tomás look on gloomily.]
Inés. [Aside to Don Lorenzo.] Father, I entreat you
Edward. [Aside to Duchess.] For my sake, mother.
Duchess. [Haughtily and dryly.] I am a mother, and I adore my son. I know that happiness is not possible for him without this young lady, and rather than lose one child I prefer to gain two.
Inés. [To Don Lorenzo.] See how kind she is, father.
Don Lorenzo. To lose a son were a terrible misfortune.
Duchess. [Gently and approaching Don Lorenzo.] Will you not consent to bestow also the name of son upon my boy?
Inés. [In low voice of entreaty.] Answer, father.
Don Lorenzo. [Looks sadly at his daughter, takes her
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