Car. (going to the balcony and raising the curtain). Look—look! The sky has become a little cleared, and the moon has issued from the clouds. Very beautiful! Very beautiful! We must draw the curtain back, that Lazarus may see it all and be the more inspired. I know he likes to work while gazing towards the heavens from time to time.

Dol. (running to help Carmen). You are right; you think of everything.

Jav. Well, if after so many precautions and such endearments the inspiration is not responsive, the inspiration of Lazarus is hard to please.

Car. Is everything ready now?

Dol. I think so. Wait—your portrait is hidden in the shade. We must place it so that the lamp may throw light on it, so that he may be inspired by it also.

Car. I inspire him? Yes—yes! Take it away. (Wishing to remove it.)

Dol. I shall not allow it. Let it remain where I have put it, and let us go.

Car. If you insist—well, then let him see it. But there is not much light. (Turning up the light of the lamp.)

Dol. (to Javier). Call him—let him come.

Car. Yes, let him come and write something very beautiful. Then I shall enter for a moment, to bid him good-night.