Mercedes. Is there no dinner this evening? It's near the hour.

Teodora. Mercedes too!

Mercedes. Yes, Teodora.

Severo. [Aside.] She is a capital actress. What a creature!

Teodora. I must ring for lights. [Touches the bell on the table.]

Severo. Quite so. Every one likes plenty of light.

Servant. Madam?

Teodora. Bring the lamps, Genaro. [Exit servant.]

Severo. He who follows the narrow path of loyalty and duty, and is always that which he appears to be, need never fear the light, nor blush in its glare.

[The servant enters with lamps, the stage is brilliantly