Ernest. What?
Teodora. That only my husband, the man who loves me, has a right to defend me.
Ernest. Every honourable man has the right to defend a lady. He may not even know her, be neither a friend, nor a relative, nor a lover. It is enough for him to hear a woman insulted. Why do I fight this duel? Why do I defend her? Because I heard the calumny. Because I am myself. Who is so base as to give his protection by scale and measure? Was I not there? Then whoever it was—I or another—who was first on the scene——
Teodora. [Listens eagerly, dominated by him, and holds out her hand to him.] This is noble and honourable, and worthy of you, Ernest [then restrains herself and moves backward]. But it leaves Julian humiliated [with conviction].
Ernest. He? humiliated!
Teodora. Most surely.
Ernest. Why?
Teodora. For no reason whatever.
Ernest. Who will say so?
Teodora. Everybody.