Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/118

 Why, you might just as well question my admiration for you! I envy you for that very reason. The Comte has told me this evening the story of your life, how he met you, how you struggled up, how through sheer force of genius, yes, of genius and determination, you compelled at last the admiration of all Paris. Its authors and artists flung themselves at your feet

. And I suppose you would like me to repeat for your benefit some of the pantomimes that made me famous? Well, I am not ashamed of my past like la Königsberg. You cannot offend me by your impertinence.

. Why, Diana!

. What is this woman talking about?

. If either of us had been presented at the Court of Suavia, and had exhibited the same utter lack of taste which Your Highness does here, we should have found ourselves upon the street again at the double-quick.

. Diana!

. She insults me!

. A scandal! I felt it coming! It will be telegraphed to Suavia!

. You have said enough for the present. You have shown them who you are.

. Oh! So you are jealous, are you? Of your Comte? What did you think? Because I have condescended to listen to him, to tolerate his imbecilities

. Highness!

. Because I have done him the honor to permit him to be my creditor

. Helena!

. Great God!