D. Severo. [Aside.] How they stare at one another!
Teodora. [Aside.] What a noble fellow!
Ernest. [To Don Julian.] Why do you withhold your hand? It is our last adieu, Don Julian. [Goes toward him with outstretched hands. Don Julian embraces him.]
D. Julian. No, lad. The question well considered, this is neither the first nor the last. It is the cordial embrace of two honourable men. You must not mention your mad project again.
D. Severo. Then he is not going away?
D. Julian. Never. I have not the habit of changing my mind or the plans I have matured because of a boy's caprice or a madman's folly. And I have still less intention of weakly subjecting my actions to the town's idle gossip.
D. Severo. Julian!
D. Julian. Enough. Dinner is served.
Ernest. Father, I cannot
D. Julian. But what if I believe you can? Or does my authority begin to bore you?
Ernest. I beg you
D. Julian. Come, dinner is ready. Give your arm to Teodora, and take her in.
Ernest. [Looking at her, but holding back.] To Teodora!
Teodora. [With a similar emotion.] Ernest!
D. Julian. Yes, as usual.
[There is a movement of uncertainty on both sides; finally Ernest approaches and Teodora takes his arm, but neither dares to look at the other; and both are abrupt and violently agitated.]
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