Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/102

. An ideal creature, a Knight of the Swan, a legendary hero. Now you feel that he is a very ordinary person, like everybody else. Naturally, you have no means of comparison; you did not know my husband.

. You are adorable!

. But speaking of the gentleman was only a roundabout way.

. Of telling you that I love you!

. Doubtless you may be justified in fancying yourself a Lohengrin, since you have rescued me from an embarrassing predicament. However, if I were in your place, I think I should delay my declaration of love just a little.

. Why delay?

. Because there is no probability of your being pleased with the answer. If favorable, you will consider it gratitude; if unfavorable, the reverse.

. All I ask is that it be sincere.

. Sincere? When your entire conversation is a tissue of stock gallantries, which apparently you consider obligatory, although in my case they are somewhat bold.

. Bold? Is that intended as a rebuke?

. On the contrary, it is intended as friendly advice. One accepts anything from a friend.

. Why not accept it from a lover? Love is stronger than friendship. However, your theory interests me.

. No, not from a lover whose love cannot be returned. It is so easy to satisfy a friend.

. Unless only love can satisfy a friend.

. If you flatter yourself that my love is to become the guarantor of my friendship, you may as well understand at once that my heart is insolvent, and you are at