Inés. That is your hour for coming. A nice thing indeed if you were to come earlier. What would the Astronomical Observatory think of that?
Edward. Do forgive me—I was wrong.
Inés. No, the error was mine. Desire hastens onward the hours for me, and you, to punish me, come and hold up a watch before my eyes. [Makes a quick movement and seems to hold something to his face.] What a poetic lover!
Edward. I confess my fault. I repent and humbly beg your pardon.
Inés. Ah, you admit it. That is better.
Edward. You see I was so happy and delighted to come that I quite lost knowledge of what I was saying, and even now I scarcely know what it is I am saying.
Inés. It was also wrong of me to scold you so, Edward. But I was so gay, so wild with eagerness in my desire to see you, that the moments seemed centuries to me.
Edward. Ah, I have to tell you, my own
Inés. [Pays no heed to him.] I have such great news for you.
Edward. [Also does not heed her.] At last we are within reach of bliss.
Inés. I should think so—for life.
Edward. How improbable it looks!
Inés. My father has promised this day—this very day—you understand?—But you are not listening.
Edward. [Still not heeding her.] My mother
Inés. Your mother! What?
Edward. She is coming here in half an hour to propose our marriage.
117
