Mercedes. How does your father bear it?

Pepito. He groans and breathes of vengeance. He, too, mutters the names of Teodora and Ernest. I hope to God he will not meet either, for if he should, small chance there is of restraining his fury.

Mercedes. Your father is a good man.

Pepito. Yes, but with a temper——

Mercedes. It is not easily aroused, however. But when he has cause——

Pepito. With all due respect, he's then a very tiger.

Mercedes. Only when provoked.

Pepito. I don't know about other occasions, but this time he certainly has provocation enough. And Teodora?

Mercedes. She is upstairs. She wanted to come down—and cried—like a Magdalen.

Pepito. Already! Repentant or erring?