business is now a duel—in a room somewhere—I don't know where.
D. Julian. [Seizing his arms.] The man was I!
Pepito. Sir?
D. Julian. And Teodora the woman? How have we fallen—she, myself, our love? [Sits down and covers his face with both hands.]
Severo. What have you done, you blockhead!
Pepito. Didn't he say he knew all about it? and I naturally believed him.
D. Julian. Dishonoured, dishonoured!
Severo. [Approaching him.] Julian, my dear fellow.
D. Julian. It is true. I ought to be calm, I know. But what heart can I have when faith is gone? [Seizes his brother's hand.] Just heaven! Why are we so disgraced? What reason have they to turn and throw mud at us? No matter. I know my duty as a gentleman. I can count on you, Severo?
Severo. On me? Till death, Julian. [They shake hands cordially.]
Julian. [To Pepito.] The duel?
Pepito. For three o'clock.
Julian. [Aside.] I'll kill him—yes, kill him. Come. [To Severo.]
Severo. Whither?
D. Julian. To look for this viscount.
Severo. Do you mean?
D. Julian. I mean to do what I ought and can to avenge myself and save Don Juan of Acedo's son. Who are the seconds? [To Pepito.]
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