Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/136

. Perhaps we shall never be more happy. Can it be that all our efforts and struggles to obtain even a small part of that which we desire in life, are fruitless? Is it that life admits of no violence, and only when we have ceased to hope and struggle and strive, lets fall upon us as if by chance, a little of the great store of happiness which it treasures? If it is, then let us try not to think, let us lull our wills to sleep, that life may bring us joy or sorrow at its pleasure. Who can say but that when we think that we are shaping life most surely to our purposes, we are not submitting most blindly to the immutable laws of fate?

. [Surprised and startled] Oh!

. Ah! Please excuse me… Don't be frightened, lady. I thought—but it isn't he. A mistake. Strangers, eh? Foreigners?… they don't know me. I am sorry if I frightened the lady. She is beautiful.

. [Calling from outside] Are you coming? You are invited to-night.

. Let me alone, will you?

. [Approaching the ' and ' with ostentatious deference and respect] I am sorry the woman annoyed you.

. No, poor thing! What a singular person! Apparently she thought she knew us.

. Pardon, Your Highness, pardon.

. Ah! So you know then?

. I have watched Your Highnesses since your arrival. It was imprudent of Your Highnesses to venture here alone.