Page:The great Galeoto; Folly or saintliness; two plays done from the verse of José Echegaray into English prose by Hannah Lynch (IA greatgaleotofoll00echerich).djvu/68

SCENE V

Teodora, Doña Mercedes, and Ernest. The ladies occupy the sofa, and Ernest stands near them.

Mercedes. [To Ernest.] We did not see you to-day.

Ernest. No, madam.

Mercedes. Nor Pepito?

Ernest. No.

Mercedes. He is upstairs alone.

Ernest. [Aside.] Let him stop there.

Mercedes. [Gravely and mysteriously to Teodora.] I wish he would go. I want to speak to you.

Teodora. Indeed?

Mercedes. [In same tone.] Yes, it is something very serious.

Teodora. Well, begin!

Mercedes. Why doesn't he go?

Teodora. [In a low voice.] I don't understand you.

Mercedes. Courage! [Takes her hand and clasps it affectionately. Teodora looks at her in sombre question.] Send him about his business.

Teodora. If you insist. Ernest, will you do me a favour?

Ernest. Gladly—with a thousand wills.

Mercedes. [Aside.] One were still too many.

Teodora. Then go upstairs—to Pepito——But it might bore you to carry a message.

Ernest. By no means.

Mercedes. [Aside.] In what a sweet, soft voice he speaks to her!

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