Velez (angrily). You started on him too abruptly, father!
The fate of one, on whom you know he doted.
Osorio (starting as in a sudden agitation). O heavens!
I doted! [Then, as if recovering himself.
Yes! I doted on him!
[Osorio walks to the end of the stage. Velez follows soothing him.
Maria (her eye following them). I do not, cannot love him. Is my heart hard?
Is my heart hard? that even now the thought 145
Should force itself upon me—yet I feel it!
Francesco. The drops did start and stand upon his forehead!
I will return—in very truth I grieve
To have been the occasion. Ho! attend me, woman!
Alhadra (to Maria). O gentle lady, make the father stay [150]
Till that my lord recover. I am sure
That he will say he is my husband's friend.
Maria. Stay, father, stay—my lord will soon recover.
[Osorio and Velez returning.
Osorio (to Velez as they return). Strange! that this Francesco
Should have the power so to distemper me. [155]
Velez. Nay, 'twas an amiable weakness, son!