Laz. Not that man—not that man—ah—I know him—and yet let him say.
Berm. It depends on the state of mind that you are in: if you are in a sound state of mind, very soon.
Laz. Well, before you take Carmen away you have to decide it. The morning approaches—it will be here in less than two or three hours. You see that brightness? It is beginning to dawn already, and we must sit up by all means. Therefore you go in there, into that cabinet—and you fix the date. I shall not be in your way. Now you see that that I can do no more. But you must say when and let me know; when I know it I shall be more at ease. With to-day there will be one day less: two less: three—it is not far off now: very little short of the time: three days off, two days off, one day off, it is to-morrow, it is to-day—she is my Carmen for ever—she is mine—(vehemently). Now, let who dare force her from my arms! Oh! Carmen now belongs to Lazarus. (Changing his tone.) I am saying what will happen—when you fix the day—because by the fixing of the day we only want two—now we are only short of one—now it has arrived—all happy! (Embracing Tim. and Jav.). It’s true, it’s true! And now, in there.
Tim. For my part, with much pleasure, and it seems to me a good idea. Will you have it so, Bermudez?
Berm. I am at your orders—and if Lazarus insists——
Laz. No more—no more—enter—here—and in all freedom. Your little cabinet—the balcony open—the flowers of that terrace which are beginning to take colour—the Guadalquivir which commences to waken with its silver lights. Very good—very good—you are going to be perfectly comfortable—and all this will incline you to good nature. Don’t be very cruel—don’t fix too long a term—for in this world, what is not to-day is never.
Tim. Shall we go in?
Berm. Yes, señor.
They move slowly and speaking in low tones toward the right.
Laz. (in a low, energetic voice to Javier). And you, too, go. I don’t trust them. The wretches, they would say never: go, go, with them.