of them—wretches!—They would almost rejoice at my death. No, then I will not die, no, not until I have fulfilled my duty as an honourable man, not before I have brought the question of my madness to an end.
Dr. Tomás. [Placing a hand upon his arm.] Lorenzo.
Don Lorenzo. [Turning, recognises him, and retreats angrily.] He!
Dr. Tomás. Let me introduce one of my best friends, Dr. Bermúdez. [Pause. Don Lorenzo looks at both strangely.]
Bermúdez. [In low voice to Dr. Tomás.] You can see the effort he is making to control himself. There can be no doubt that he is vaguely conscious of his condition.
Don Lorenzo. One of your best friends—one of your best friends
Bermúdez. [Aside to Dr. Tomás.] An idea is escaping him, and he is struggling to retain it.
Don Lorenzo. [Ironically.] Then if he is one of your best friends, your loyalty will be a guarantee of his.
Bermúdez. [Aside to Dr. Tomás.] At last he has found the word, but note the unnatural tones of his voice. [Aloud.] I come, Dr. Tomás assures me, to witness a most noble deed.
Don Lorenzo. And an act of unworthy treason as well.
Dr. Tomás. Lorenzo!
Bermúdez. [Aside to Dr. Tomás.] Let him say what he likes.
Don Lorenzo. And of an exemplary chastisement.
Bermúdez. [Aside to Dr. Tomás.] It is very serious, my friend, very serious.
Don Lorenzo. [To Dr. Tomás.] Call everybody, every-
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