Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/137

. But why? The behavior of these people could not possibly be more correct, especially after the villa of the Comte de Tournerelles. Don't you think so, Stephen?

. Superficially, perhaps, but a night seldom passes without some incident which is unpleasant. These are dangerous folk, without exception. Three of the worst are near by—the Little Marquis, an Englishman who was a jockey, long since disqualified for cheating, and a fine specimen of Italian, known as Cosi-Cosi. They are watching us now. All have long records in the police courts, and at least one has been within a step of the guillotine.

. How wonderful! What marvellous people, living by their wits, by sheer strength of brute courage, snapping their fingers in the face of society, its morality, and its laws! They live. This is life!

. Professors of strenuosity, as we should call them nowadays.

. Who was that singular woman?

. She is crazy. They call her the Woman With the Scar.

. What a horrible name!

. Would you like to see? I'll send for her. Come here! Don't be afraid. Tell this lady and gentleman who you are.

. No, let me go. Don't you believe what he says. There's no truth in it.

. Come here, I tell you. Loosen that collar around your neck.

. Take your hands off me.

. Don't hurt her! Let go. Poor woman!