D. Julian. [Aside.] Hold your tongue, Severo.—He starts to-morrow, and to-day he stakes his life—and we are here, of course, to prevent both, the duel and the departure. [Don Julian makes it evident that he is only sounding Pepito's knowledge of facts, and that he is only aware of the pending departure.]
D. Severo. What duel?
D. Julian. [Aside to Severo.] I know nothing about it, but I shall presently.
Pepito. [Aside.] Come, I haven't been such a duffer after all.
D. Julian. [Speaking with an air of certainty.] We know there is a viscount——
Pepito. Yes.
D. Julian. With whom Ernest proposes to fight—a certain trustworthy person has informed us, who was at once apprised of it. They say 'tis a serious matter [Pepito nods], a disgraceful quarrel in the presence of several witnesses [Pepito nods again]—the lie direct, and a deluge of bad language——
Pepito. [Interrupts excitedly, glad of his more accurate information.] Language indeed!—a blow bigger than a monument.
D. Severo. On which side?
Pepito. Ernest struck the viscount.