Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/187

. There is only one way to prevent it.

. I am your husband, Josefina.

. Yes, and I suppose you would like to demonstrate your force of character upon me? That would be too much. No, no! I am going! I am going…

. But, wife! Josefina! In the midst of the feria? Don't create a scandal. Reflect.

. Conscience dictates, Santiago; it never reflects. You are the one to reflect.

. In the name of all the saints, tell me what it is that you wish me to do. I will consider, I will reflect, I will consult—with everybody! If there is a way out of this dilemma, without breaking the law

. You will consult? Yes! With persons of ability, of judgment, I suppose? I can tell you this: they will say precisely the same thing that I do. We shall see how many it takes to make up your mind. Won't it be pleasant for me to have everybody boasting that they could turn you around their little finger and I couldn't? Won't it be pleasant for me?

. If it was not for you, do you suppose that I would hesitate for one moment? It is only for you that I search and pray, yes, pray, that there may be some legal way to violate the law, for we are in Spain, thank God, and there must be one. But don't talk about going to Madrid and don't cry! Don't reproach me. Look! Your hair is falling down, and you have crumpled your dress.

. What do I care about my dress? I am not thinking about my clothes. Why do I wear clothes anyway? So that you may look decently and present a proper appearance before the people. For the very same reason that I used to put on my apron and go down into the kitchen, and do whatever there was to be done about the house.

. I know, my dear, I know. And there never