Don Lorenzo. Don't turn me into ridicule, Angela. You know I adore Inés.
SCENE III
Don Lorenzo, Ángela, Dr. Tomás, and Inés. Inés enters by door on R. as Don Lorenzo utters these words, and stands still on hearing her own name.
Don Lorenzo. For her life! For her happiness! Why, to dry one tear of her eyes would I give all those my own could shed. For one bright hour for my Inés would I gladly turn all the remaining hours of my life into martyrdom. [Inés, without being seen by the rest, holds out her arms to her father lovingly, and kisses her hand to him.] There, say no more upon the subject. This very day will I go and see the duchess. I will implore, supplicate, humiliate myself if necessary, and she must yield. She won't? [Joyous movement of Inés. Doña Ángela effusively takes her husband's hand.] Well, if I have not got titles, I have at least a name, which, though I may not be able to make it illustrious by work and study——
Dr. Tomás. It is illustrious, my dear fellow.
Don Lorenzo. Illustrious, no—but respectable, yes. Besides, I have some millions that I have inherited, and which I will make over to the duchess and to Edward, that they may be enabled thereby to renovate a coronet somewhat the worse for wear. So you may be sure of it. Inés will be happy, and her happiness will be ours.
Doña Ángela. And yours—also ours, who live in you—you, my husband, who are, when science does not blunt your sense, the best, the kindest, and most loving of men.
Inés. Oh, heavens! [Gives signs of faintness, and leans against door.]
Doña Ángela. [Rushes over to her.] Inés, my child.
Don Lorenzo. Inés, Inés! What's the matter?