Teodora. Mercedes.

Mercedes. Teodora.

Teodora. I pray you, Mercedes.

[Doña Mercedes passes in with Pepito and takes her place at the table. Ernest and Teodora stand plunged in thought, Ernest looking anxiously at her.]

D. Julian. [Aside.] He is looking at her, and there are tears in her eyes. [Teodora, walking unsteadily and struggling with emotion, slowly follows the others inside.]

D. Julian. [To Severo.] Are they talking together?

D. Severo. I don't know, but I think it very probable.

D. Julian. Why are they looking back at us? Both! Did you notice? I wonder why.

D. Severo. You see, you are growing reasonable at last!

D. Julian. No, I've caught your madness. Ah, how sure a thing is calumny! It pierces straight to the heart.