SCENE IX
Juana, Duchess, Don Lorenzo, Doña Ángela, and Inés. The latter enters R. Don Lorenzo tries to get away front his daughter, who stands at door in white; behind her, half hidden by curtains, the Duchess and Doña Ángela.
Don Lorenzo. [Coming down the stage.] No more, no more. It is the last test,—the last, yes. But, oh, how my will fainted.
Doña Ángela. [To Inés.] Follow him. Do not leave him alone. He will give in.
Inés. Why do you fly from me, father? [Advances a little, behind her the duchess and Doña Ángela. This scene must be strongly marked and fantastic. Don Lorenzo, in the middle of the stage, evinces in his attitude, manner, and expression that he is undergoing a desperate inward struggle. Inés, delicate-looking and charming, approaches him slowly, and Doña Ángela and duchess, in black, follow, encouraging her. Juana dying; the study is quite dark save for the glimmer of the firelight which shows out Inés sharply.]
Don Lorenzo. Here lies my real temptation. Oh, how lovely she is! What an aureola of divine beauty encircles her head—the sole ray of light in this heavy darkness.
Doña Ángela. [Aside to Inés.] Do you see? He cannot resist you. Implore him, implore him, my child.
Inés. [Advancing.] Kiss me, father.
Don Lorenzo. [Retreating.] Alas for me if those dear arms should clasp themselves like a halter round my neck!
Juana. [Aside.] A halter round the neck! He is right.
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