nor strong love. What woman is there to follow my corpse shedding a lover's tears?
Teodora. Last night I prayed for you—and you say that nobodyI could not bear you to die. [Vehemently.]
Ernest. Ah, we pray for any one; we only weep for one. [With passion.]
Teodora. [Startled.] Ernest!
Ernest. [Terrified by his own words.] What!
Teodora. [Moving further away.] Nothing.
Ernest. [Also moving away and looking nervously down.] I told you a little while ago I was half mad. Do not heed me. [Pause. Both remain silent and pensive, at some distance, not looking at each other.]
Teodora. [Starting and glancing anxiously down the stage.] Again!
Ernest. [Following her movement.] Somebody has come.
Teodora. They are trying to get in.
Ernest. [Listening.] There can be no doubt of it. There, Teodora. [Points to the bedroom door.]
Teodora. My honour is my shield.
Ernest. But it is not your husband.
Teodora. Not Julian?
Ernest. [Leading her to the door.] No.
Teodora. I hoped [Detains him with an air of supplication] Will you give up this duel?
Ernest. Give it up? When I've struck him!
Teodora. I didn't know that. [Despairingly, but understands that nothing can be done.] Then fly.
Ernest. I fly!
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