Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/255

 ing a great mistake. Women are hypersensitive about the theatre; it is so public. I never specialized in theatres myself; I do not recommend them to others.

. What is papa telling Pepe?

. He is calling him to account. It was only right that he should know.

. Who? Papa? You ought never to have told him. He will think that I am silly.

. You would be silly, if you were not right; and you are foolish to be unhappy because you are. The silliest thing in the world would be for you to make your husband unhappy.

. I am not making my husband unhappy.

. But what is the matter? What are you trying to do.?

. Do you suppose that I married to be humiliated and neglected by my husband?

. Has he done anything else.?

. Has he? Only to-day

. Hush! They may hear us…

. Yes, wait until we are alone…

. I must step out for a moment, my dear; I hope to return shortly—that is, if I can slip away.

. Oh! Don't you know whether you can return or not? Aren't you going to stay to dinner.?

. Of course he is not.

. I shall do my best—if possible…

. What is the use of this farce? You know perfectly well that you are not coming back.

. María Antonia!

. I think, perhaps, you take these matters too seriously. I understand his position. In fact, I feared for a moment that I might be prevented from dining with you myself. Women have an idea that men have nothing to do