act drawn up containing my formal declaration and renunciation?
Doña Ángela. Yes, Lorenzo.
Don Lorenzo. So that the judge may then ordain as the law directs? Is it not so?
Dr. Tomás. It is natural.
Don Lorenzo. [To Doña Ángela.] What do you say to it?
Doña Ángela. [In weeping voice.] If this wealth we now enjoy is not legally yours—you do well.
Dr. Tomás. If the name you bear is not yours, you must certainly give it up.
Doña Ángela. In any case your will is law.
Don Lorenzo. Yes, but a tyrannical law, an impious law—eh?
Doña Ángela. Still, a law that I respect above all others.
Don Lorenzo. [Nervous, unquiet, almost irritable.] And you don't resist it? You don't struggle against it?
Dr. Tomás. Your conduct is that of a man of honour. Strictly speaking, there is nothing else for you to do.
Don Lorenzo. What unheard-of submission! What extraordinary docility! What a sudden change! You are deceiving me. I tell you, you are lying to me. [Violently.]
Doña Ángela. For pity's sake, Lorenzo.
Dr. Tomás. [Aside.] Ah, there is no hope. Like a black wave dementia has spread over his mind.
Don Lorenzo. [More calmly.] Well, well, better so. [Pause. Approaches Doña Ángela affectionately.] Where is Inés?
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