D. Julian. God grant you a happy delivery.
Ernest. That's the question, as Hamlet says.
D. Julian. Couldn't you cast it into the literary foundling hospital of anonymity? [In a low voice with an air of comical mystery.]
Ernest. Don Julian, I am a man of conscience. Good or bad, my children are legitimate. They bear my name.
D. Julian. [Preparing to go.] I have nothing more to say. What must be done will be done.
Ernest. I wish it were so. Unfortunately, it is not done. But no matter; if I don't do it, somebody else will.
D. Julian. Then to work, and good luck, and may nobody rob you of your laurels.
SCENE III
Ernest, Don Julian, and Teodora.
Teodora. [Outside.] Julian, Julian!
D. Julian. It's Teodora.
Teodora. Are you there, Julian?
D. Julian. [Going to the door.] Yes, I'm here. Come in.
Teodora. [Entering.] Good-evening, Ernest.
Ernest. Good-evening, Teodora. Was the singing good?
Teodora. As usual; and have you been working much?
Ernest. As usual; nothing.
Teodora. Then you'd have done better to come with us. They all asked after you.
Ernest. It seems that everybody is interested in me.
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