Teodora. Tell him—ask him if he has renewed our subscription at the Opera as I told him. He knows about it.
Ernest. With pleasure—this very moment.
Teodora. Thanks, Ernest, I am sorry
Ernest. Nonsense. [Exit.]
Teodora. Adieu!
SCENE VI
Teodora and Doña Mercedes.
Teodora. Something serious? You alarm me, Mercedes. Such mystery! What can it mean?
Mercedes. It is indeed very serious.
Teodora. Concerning whom?
Mercedes. All of you.
Teodora. All of us?
Mercedes. Julian, Ernest, and you.
Teodora. All three?
Mercedes. Yes, all three. [Short pause. Both women stare at each other.]
Teodora. Then make haste.
Mercedes. [Aside.] I should like tobut, no; I must go gently in this unsavoury affair. [Aloud.] Listen, Teodora. My husband is, after all, your husband's brother, and in life and death our fortunes are one. So that we owe one another in all things protection, help, and advice,—is it not so? To-day it may be I who offer assistance, and to-morrow, should I need it, I unblushingly claim it of you.
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