Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/181

. Goodness! Tell her it isn't a reception—just a few friends dropping in to see the fireworks from the balcony.

. That makes no difference. After six the Marchioness always wears an evening-gown, in the English fashion, sir.

. Well, if that is the case

. The only difference is that if it is an informal affair, she wears a high neck, but if it is public, of course, the neck is cut low.

. Of course, Santiago, of course. [The withdraws] You ought to be ashamed of yourself to be taking lessons from a maid.

. But how was I to know? Who would ever have supposed that in public it would be cut low?

. I wish you would keep your eyes open, Santiago.

. Just as you say, my dear. Oh! You don't know how I feel!

. What is the matter ?

. I have sent word to Madrid but they refuse to answer anything definite—generalities, that is all. They say that I am in a better position than they are to appreciate the conditions; that the government lacks knowledge of the local situation.

. Why do you have to ask the government what to do? They will think that you are a fool, and they will be right, too. Can't you make up your own mind? The first thing that a man needs in order to fill an office of importance is character, and to have character is to do whatever one thinks is right, no matter what comes of it. If it turns out to be wrong, all the more reason for sticking to it.

. Then I will