Teodora. [To Ernest.] Go.
Severo. [To Ernest.] Avenged!
Ernest. I don't deny it. [Enter Don Julian, pale and dying, leaning on Doña Mercedes' arm. Don Severo stations himself on the right, Ernest and Teodora remain in the background.]
D. Julian. Together! Where are they going? Who detains them here? Away with you, traitors. [Wants to rush at them, but strength fails him, and he staggers back.[back.]]
Severo. [Hurrying to his assistance.] No, no.
D. Julian. Severo, they deceived me—they lied to me—the miserable pair! [While he speaks Don Severo and Doña Mercedes lead him to the arm-chair.] There, look at them—both—she and Ernest! Why are they together?
Teodora and Ernest. [Separating.] No.
D. Julian. Why don't they come to me? Teodora!
Teodora. [Stretches out her arms but does not advance.] Julian!
D. Julian. Here in my arms. [Teodora runs forward and flings herself into Don Julian's arms, who clasps her feverishly. Pause.] You see—you see—[to Don Severo] I know well enough they are deceiving me. I hold her thus in my arms. I crush and subdue her—I might kill her—so! and 'tis only what she deserves. But I look at her—I look at her—and then I cannot!