Valdivieso. Enough! Do as you see fit—and I shall do the same. This is the end—the absolute end! It is the finish!
[Rushes out.]
Florencio. Stop him!
Casalonga. It won't be necessary. I shall go to the shop and take back the edition. Whatever you intended to pay him you can hand directly to me. I am your friend; besides I need the money. This man shall not get the best of me. Oh! By the way, what are you doing to-night? Have dinner with me. I shall expect you at the hotel. Don't forget! If you don't show up, I may drop in myself and have dinner with you.
Florencio. No! What would my wife say? She has trouble enough.
Casalonga. Nonsense! She knows me, and we should have a good laugh. Is she as charming, as good-looking, as striking as ever? I am keen for her. I don't need to ask whether she is happy. Poor Patricio was a character! What a sight he was! What a figure! And age doubled him for good measure. I'll look in on you later. It has been a rare pleasure this time. There are few friends like you. Come, shake hands! I am touched; you know how it is. See you later! If I don't come back, I have killed my man and am in jail for it. Tell your wife. If I can help out in any way.... Good-by, my friend—ah, yes! Zurita. I have a terrible head to-day. See you later!
[Goes out.]
Florencio. Did you ever see anything equal of it? I never did, and I knew him of old. But he has made progress.
Zurita. His assurance is fairly epic.
Florencio. What are you going to do with a man who takes it like this? You cannot kill him in cold blood—