Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/205

. Why did you tell me that if you didn't have that money in Madrid within twenty-four hours, your husband would apply for a separation? So that I shouldn't pay any attention to you, I suppose.

. Did I tell you that? But don't you see? Now we are in the hands of these people.

. You didn't suppose that those rascals were going to get you out of debt out of gallantry?

. You ought to have told me this before. Now what are we to do? If my husband sees that letter

. He won't see it. I am going away.

. There will be more trouble! Believe me, this is only the beginning. A woman is never safe until she is dead. No wonder we are deceived so easily when you men who know the world and what it is

. We do, and that is the reason I intend to get you that letter before I go, cost what it may. I do not purpose to have you suffer upon my account.

. And I do not purpose to have you lose your position upon mine. And all because my husband lacks character! Suppose he should hear of it? He would be convinced that I had deceived him; he would insist upon it. And I never did; I never deceived anybody—least of all my husband. What difference does it make whether they play for money or don't play for money? Let them play if they want to. What harm is there in it? But no! We must uphold morality, we must act with decorum. As if on the miserable salary a governor gets one could act with decorum! But that is the way you men are; you are all the same. You might have thought of something—but no! You have only one idea—which would have occurred to anybody: "I will go away, you will stay here, alone—alone in the jaws of these wolves who are ravening to devour you, God knows how!" And yet you talk as if I had no heart, as if I cared for nothing