Benito. Why should he talk to us? We, in doing our duty——
Don Lorenzo. [Aside.] All my body is bathed in a cold sweat, like the sweat of death. I am raving—This can't possibly be true. [Repeats mechanically.] In doing your duty——
Braulio. We are here on the look-out in case he should become obstreperous.
Don Lorenzo. In case he should become obstreperous?—who?
Braulio. Why, the gentleman.
Don Lorenzo. [Falls back staring at him in terror; passes his hand over his forehead as if to brush away an idea; retreats still further, staggers, and leans against the table. Then speaks low and abruptly in a dead voice.] So you know everything.
Braulio. Nearly everything.
Benito. As we have been waiting here for some time, we have heard the servants talk.
Don Lorenzo. They said——?
Braulio. They didn't leave us in the dark, you may be sure. It appears Don Lorenzo had an attack the night before last. You know all about it better than we do.