Scene Two
The same persons, then Padilla, followed by D’Aguilar, notary of the tribunal.
Padilla, pale and agitated, quickly enters at the left.
The Usher. (Announcing) His Excellency, the Governor.
All salute Padilla, who looks about for Ximénès and stops.
Padilla. His Eminence is not here?
Albornos. Not yet, Lord Padilla.
Padilla. I want to see him!—I must speak to him!
He makes a movement to leave.
Calabazas. Be pleased to wait for him with us.
Padilla. Yes! yes! (To Calabazas) Ah! my father, do you believe it! A gentleman, a soldier! my son——
He goes toward the iron door and waits for Ximénès. The Inquisitors surround D’Aguilar in the foreground.
Molina. (To D’Aguilar in a low voice) Some misfortune has befallen His Excellency?
D’Aguilar. (In a low voice) Your lordships, then, do not know why you are called to meet at this hour?
All. (With low voices) No!—Why? What is it?—We know nothing about it!
D’Aguilar. (The same) Lord Palacios has been arrested.
All. Arrested!
Calabazas. Don Enrique?
D’Aguilar. For assassinating Cardenos!——
All. Good God!—Is it possible! Our Agent!
D’Aguilar. With the assistance of a woman!—Both were fleeing towards the river when stopped by pedestrians, who heard shouts in the distance. The fugitives were flung to the earth at the entrance of an alley. The woman cried to Don Enrique desperately and in vain: “Kill me! Kill me!”
Cleofas. A Mooress?
D’Aguilar. Yes.
Cleofas. It is Zoraya!
The Usher. His Eminence!
All turn to the right to salute the Cardinal.