Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/114

 been no strangers present, but Princess Helena has destroyed the charm of the evening, with its informality.

. She walked out of the concert after hearing the first note.

. Her attitude has been sufficiently incorrect.

. It might appear presumptuous in me to say so.

. [To ] Your Highness is the only representative of the family who is present. Exert your influence with the Princess, as she regards you with favor. Explain to her how her conduct only aggravates the situation. Everybody is gossiping. You must have noticed it this evening. Look around… While the guests are all worried, Her Highness spends her time laughing.

. If the guests are so easily shocked in the house of the Comte de Tournerelles, probably my cousin would reply that it was hardly worth her while to come here to waste the evening.

. Do you approve of the conduct of Her Highness?

. No, it is foolish, very foolish indeed. But I see nobody here who is in a position to take exception to it.

. The Comtesse is jealous. I fear that she will make a scene.

. No, never. The Comtesse is a woman of the world. The Comte could never permit a scene in his house. As far as Herr Rosmer is concerned, he takes it quite coolly. I am sorry for poor Helena.

. Now you are sympathizing with her!

. With all my heart. She has made a mistake. The opportunity of living a new life was what attracted her to Herr Rosmer, while he merely saw in her the