Don Lorenzo. Continue.
Juana. 'I wish to tell you the truth, and I love you too greatly to do so. Read the secret of your existence in these lines stained by my tears, and do then as you will.'
Don Lorenzo. The secret of my existence! Give it me. [Tries to snatch the paper from her.]
Juana. No.
Don Lorenzo. What nightmare is this, Juana? You seem to have encircled my head with a band of iron that presses intolerably across my temples. Give me that paper.
Juana. No. God help me!
Don Lorenzo. You must. [Seizes the paper, and reads with intense emotion.] 'Your father was rich, very rich. He possessed millions. I was very poor. We had no children——' We had no children, she says——
SCENE XII
Don Lorenzo, Juana, Doña Ángela. Afterwards Edward.
Doña Ángela. [Enters precipitately.] The duchess!