Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/245



. Have my clothes at the club before seven. Should any letters arrive

. Are you going out? Do not be long.

. How is that?

. You are the most irresponsible man I ever saw. Have you forgotten that María Antonia and Pepe are coming to dinner? And we have asked a few friends.

. Do you know, it had quite slipped my mind?

. Did you plan to dine out?

. Yes, at the club. I have some business with Aguirre and his partner in reference to that affair at Bilbao. I must drop him a line. [To the ] You may wait.

. I hope you are not disappointed?

. No, although I am sorry I did not think of it before. I am in no humor for company this evening.

. We expect only a few—in fact, scarcely any one but the family.

. Who is coming?

. María Antonia and Pepe, Laura, Ramón and Carmen with their daughter, besides Manuel Arenales. I have asked your correspondent's son and his wife, the bride and groom, as well. The dinner is in their honor, so that makes it more formal. I am surprised that you should forget it. 221