Ernest. But I tell you she is innocent. I swear it.
Pepito. [Interceding.] Father——
D. Severo. [With a contemptuous gesture.] That fellow lies.
Ernest. You impel me with the current. Then I will not struggle against it. I go with it. I cannot yet know what may be her opinion [pointing to Teodora] of others, and of your outrages. Her lips are silent, mute her thoughts. But what I think of it all—yes, I will tell you.
D. Severo. It is useless. It won't prevent me from—— [Approaches Teodora.]
Pepito. [Restraining him.] Father——
Ernest. Stay. [Pause.] Let nobody touch this woman. She is mine. The world has so desired it, and its decision I accept. It has driven her to my arms. Come, Teodora. [He raises her, and sustains her.] You cast her forth from here. We obey you.
D. Severo. At last, you blackguard!
Ernest. Yes; now you are right. I will confess now. Do you want passion? Then passion and delirium. Do you want love? Then love—boundless love. Do you want more? Then more and more. Nothing daunts me. Yours the invention, I give it shelter. So you may tell the tale. It echoes through all this heroic town. But should any one ask you who was the infamous intermediary in this infamy, you will reply 'ourselves, without being aware of it, and with us the stupid chatter of busybodies.' Come, Teodora; my mother's spirit kisses your pure brow. Adieu, all. She belongs to me, and let heaven choose its day to judge between you and me. [Gathers Teodora into his embrace, with a glance of defiance around.]
Curtain