Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/186

 a shop it was!—a counter of decayed vegetables, which was all that he had until he got the contract to furnish meals for the jail. In those days, let me tell you, no one ever thought of committing a crime. No, sir! The provisions of Don Baldomero inspired a terror more salutary than all the penalties of the code.

. You don't mean to say that you believe all those stupidities? It seems incredible. Lies, calumnies invented by the rabble, yes, by the very people you want to pander to now with a spectacle debased to their taste. You want to win their applause, to appear popular; but you have not reckoned upon one thing—I shall not stand by you in this humiliation. I am going to Madrid this very night! To Madrid!

. Are you crazy?

. Do you think I can face the reproaches, the contempt of my friends, the scorn of everybody?

. I wouldn't worry myself so much about everybody. Does everybody consist of the few persons who possess the honor of introductions to you?

. Everybody is everybody, and it is too late for you to change it. You want to set yourself up as a tribune of the people. Very well! But you need not expect me to be present at your funeral. When they throw you out of office, and they won't hesitate to do it, when you slink away in dishonor, hooted at, disgraced, then you will remember who gave you advice; then you will see that it was your wife who had your interests at heart. And to think that you should be dreaming of a governorship of the first class!

. Dreaming? I'd be satisfied if I could get a chance to sleep! My head will go round for a week.

. This is not a laughing matter. I am going to get ready—to-night!

. But, my dear… Impossible!