Inés. [Aside to Don Lorenzo.] Father, I entreat you——
Edward. [Aside to Duchess.] For my sake, mother.
Duchess. [Haughtily and dryly.] I am a mother, and I adore my son. I know that happiness is not possible for him without this young lady, and rather than lose one child I prefer to gain two.
Inés. [To Don Lorenzo.] See how kind she is, father.
Don Lorenzo. To lose a son were a terrible misfortune.
Duchess. [Gently and approaching Don Lorenzo.] Will you not consent to bestow also the name of son upon my boy?
Inés. [In low voice of entreaty.] Answer, father.
Don Lorenzo. [Looks sadly at his daughter, takes her head between his hands, and contemplates her yearningly.] How sweet you are! It seems incredible that you should not prove stronger than the law of honour.
Duchess. [Unable to control herself.] To make an end of the matter, Señor de Avendaña, do you wish my son, the Duke of Almonte, to give his name to your daughter Inés?
Don Lorenzo. [In magnificent fury.] If I were a scoundrel, madam, this were an excellent occasion for procuring an honest name for my nameless child.