Ernest. I beg you——
D. Julian. Come, dinner is ready. Give your arm to Teodora, and take her in.
Ernest. [Looking at her, but holding back.] To Teodora!
Teodora. [With a similar emotion.] Ernest!
D. Julian. Yes, as usual. [There is a movement of uncertainty on both sides; finally Ernest approaches and Teodora takes his arm, but neither dares to look at the other, and both are abrupt and violently agitated.]
D. Julian. [To Pepito.] And you! The deuce, why don't you offer your arm to your mother? My good brother Severo will take mine. So, quite a family party, and now let pleasure flow with the wine in our glasses. So there are gossips about? Well, let them chatter and scream. A farthing for all they can say. I shouldn't object to a glass house, that they might have the pleasure of staring in at Teodora and Ernest together, and learn how little I care for their spite and their calumnies. Each man to his fancy.
[Enter servant in black suit and white tie.]
Servant. Dinner is served.
[The dining-room door opens and displays a well-appointed table.]
D. Julian. Let us look after our life, since it will be the affair of others to look after our death. Come. [Invites the others to pass.]