Florencio. No more than one explanation is possible.
Zurita. Consider a moment. In my opinion it will be wiser to receive him. He appears to be innocent.
Florencio. Of the first instincts of a gentleman.
Zurita. Exactly. I did not venture to put it so plainly. He attaches no importance to the affair whatever.
Florencio. Of course not! It is nothing to him.
Zurita. Nothing. However, you will find him disposed to go to any length—retract, make a denial, withdraw the book from circulation. You had best have a few words with him. But first promise to control yourself. Shall I ask them to come in?
Florencio. Yes ... yes! Ask them to come in.
Zurita. Poor Valdivieso is awfully put out. He always had such a high opinion of you. You are one of the two or three persons in this town who buy books. It would be a tremendous relief to him if you would only tell him that you knew he was incapable....
Florencio. Thoroughly! Poor Valdivieso! Ask him to come in; ask them both to come in.
[Zurita retires and returns presently with Valdivieso and Casalonga.]