Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/191

. Of course, you didn't know—as is usual!

. Come, come! Let us not begin another discussion over refreshments.

. I hope not, sir. With your permission—although without consulting you—I knew I might count upon your approval—I have effected a compromise. I have ordered the ices from the Café of the Four Nations, and the creams from the Café de Europa, so that in this way I have established a precedent, for in my opinion, sir, subject to your approval, a political question ought not to be made out of the serving of ice-cream. You will dictate when you are ready, sir.

. Who is coming at this hour?

. So early, my dear? And alone?

. [Weeping, Hinging herself into the arms of Josefina] Oh, Josefina! I am utterly miserable!

. What is the matter with you?

. What has happened? [To ] Just a moment, just a moment…

. Have you had another tiff with papa and mamma?

. I have no papa, I have no mamma, I have nobody in all the world, but you!

. My child!…

. Nonsense! Up to her old tricks.

. [To , who pays no attention to him] If you don't mind, sir, if you don't mind, I think I might finish the shield and the towers…

. [Absorbed] Yes, yes… Of course!

. [To ] But what is the trouble? How is it that you are alone?