Laz. That was a climax, eh? Well, take another and you shall begin again.
Paca. You see we shall both be getting upset.
(They take the glasses.)
Laz. Listen, Tarifeña, sylph of former times, enchanting siren of our forefathers, moth-eaten memorial of their joys, will you do me a favour?
Paca. I should think so. I am loyal to the house, and to all that’s in the house, and to you, señorito, because you are of the house.
Laz. Good; and to those who are not of the house, no. Well, inside there are three who are not of the house: Don Timoteo, Bermudez, and Javier. And those three are working so that I may not be married to Carmen. They say that I am ill, that I am a bad fellow, that I would cause much misery to Carmen; in short, they propose to break off my wedding—see what infamy!
Paca. Old men never wish young people to be married; old men are great scoundrels. Old women are quite the contrary; we old women would like everybody to get married. Why, what does the human race exist for? To get marred; exactly. And you and beautiful little Carmen will make such a pair!
Laz. You are very kind, very tender-hearted; you don’t wish any one to suffer pain. Take this (gives her another cup)——
Paca. Ah! yes, señorito, although it doesn’t become me to talk about my being tender-hearted, I never harmed any one.
Laz. So ought all women with good hearts to be. Take——