Pepito. Alcaráz and Rueda.
D. Julian. I know them both. Let him stay here [pointing to Pepito], so that in the event of Ernest's return
Severo. Of course.
D. Julian. [To Pepito.] Without arousing his suspicion, find out where the duel takes place.
Severo. You hear.
D. Julian. [To his brother.] Come.
Severo. What's the matter with you, Julian?
D. Julian. 'Tis a long while since I've felt so overjoyed. [Catches Severo's arm feverishly.]
Severo. The deuce! overjoyed! You're beside yourself.
D. Julian. I shall meet that fellow.
Severo. Nebreda?
D. Julian. Yes. Observe, until to-day calumny was impalpable. There was no seizing its shape. I have now discovered it, and it has taken a human form. There it is at hand, in the person of a viscount. Swallowing blood and gall for the past three months—the devil!—and now—fancy, face to face—he and I! [Exeunt Don Julian and Don Severo.]
SCENE IV
Pepito. Well, here we are in a nice fix, and all for nothing! However, in spite of my uncle's belief, it was little short of madness to leave a resplendent creature under the same roof and in continual contact with a handsome fellow like Ernest, with a soul on fire, or given to romanticism. He swears there's nothing in it, and that his feeling for her is pure affection, that
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