think and say, and this is my business. Others will look for the insult, I for the punishment.
Teodora. [Coming nearer and speaking softly, as if afraid of her own voice.] And Julian?
Ernest. Well?
Teodora. If he were to know about it?
Ernest. He will know about it.
Teodora. What will he say?
Ernest. What?
Teodora. That only my husband, the man who loves me, has a right to defend me.
Ernest. Every honourable man has the right to defend a lady. He may not even know her, be neither a friend, nor a relative, nor a lover. It is enough for him to hear a woman insulted. Why do I fight this duel? Why do I defend her? Because I heard the calumny. Because I am myself. Who is so base as to give his protection by scale and measure? Was I not there? Then whoever it was—I or another—who was first on the scene
Teodora. [Listens eagerly, dominated by him, and holds out her hand to him.] This is noble and honourable, and worthy of you, Ernest [then restrains herself and moves backward]. But it leaves Julian humiliated [with conviction].
Ernest. He? humiliated!
Teodora. Most surely.
Ernest. Why?
Teodora. For no reason whatever.
Ernest. Who will say so?
Teodora. Everybody.
60
