which you refuse to do for mine. Why, mother dear, need we go in search of misery and death when felicity is within our reach?
Duchess. Ah, see how contact with crime perverts the noblest minds! Unfortunate boy, do you not understand that you are proposing a monstrous thing to me? that you wish me to be an accomplice to a felony? Good heavens, what has come over you that you should think and speak such things?
Edward. Who on earth speaks of anything monstrous or proposes felony? Have we all gone mad with Don Lorenzo, or are you martyrising me for your own entertainment?
Duchess. You suggested our averting scandal by silence.
Edward. Yes.
Duchess. Then
Edward. Listen, mother. This is what I meant to say. If Don Lorenzo's tale be true, which is what I doubt, the legitimate heirs of this confounded wealth may be discovered cautiously, in secret, and a way can be found to restore it to them.
Duchess. But on what pretext?
Edward. If you had to beg for a fortune, it might be difficult to find one, but when it comes to giving, don't be afraid. It is easy enough, and any pretext is equally welcome to those who receive it.
Duchess. Inés will still bear a name she has no title to.
Edward. She will bear mine, which is worth all others.
Duchess. That is true. But Don Lorenzo
Edward. Leave him alone. He has enough to do with his philosophy. We have ourselves to think of, and I believe that it can be all managed if you will consent.
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