them. And afterwards, until the veiled one has departed, you mustn't let any one in unless the sky were falling.
Servant. Then I am to show her in?
Ernest. Yes. [To Pepito at the door.] Good-bye.
Pepito. Good-bye, Ernest. [Exeunt servant and Pepito.]
Ernest. A lady? on what pretext? What does this mean? [Enter Teodora, thickly veiled; she stands without approaching.] Ah, there she is!
SCENE VII
Teodora and Ernest, she behind not daring to advance, he turned toward her.
Ernest. You desire to speak to me, madam? Kindly be seated. [Offers her a chair.]
Teodora. [Unveiling.] Forgive me, Ernest.
Ernest. Teodora!
Teodora. I am wrong to come—am I not?
Ernest. [Abruptly and stammering.] I can't say—since I don't know to what I owe this honour. But what am I saying? Alas! Here, in my rooms, madam, reverence attends you, than which you cannot find a greater [with devotion]. But what wrong can you possibly fear here, lady?
Teodora. None—and there was a time—but that once is for ever past. No thought of doubt or fear was then. I might have crossed any room on your arm without blush or fluttering pulse. But now! They tell me that you are starting for America to-morrow—and I—yes—like those who go away perhaps not to return—it is so sad to lose a friend!—before Julian—before the whole world—thinking only of our affection—I myself, Ernest, would have held out my arms to you—in farewell.
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