Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/266

 other genius now in fashion. When he goes out and stays later than he should, it is no consolation to me to think that he may be conquering new worlds or conducting experiments in navigation.

. Carmen and her husband with Luisa… Good evening, my dear! Luisita…

. Do not tell us that we are late. Ramón insists we are to blame.

. Obviously. A woman's toilette is inexhaustible: it takes three hours for them to dress—to no purpose. Now they are trying to persuade me to subscribe for seats at the theatre. But what is the use? If I wish to see a play or hear an opera, I must leave them at home. We are lucky to arrive in time for the second act if they go. Isn't it foolish to spend a fortune not being on time?

. Luisita, you are adorable this evening.

. Naturally—you heard papa; I have been three hours dressing. How he does love to exaggerate!

. Where is Gonzalo?

. He is almost ready. What do you hear from Enrique?

. Nothing; he never writes. I cannot understand what is the matter with that boy.

. [Aside to ] I am dreadfully worried; I must tell you about it later, Isabel. I don't want to disturb Ramón. You know what he is.

. Were you on the Exchange this afternoon?

. Yes, but there were no developments. It was unusually quiet.

. I must consult you about a plan which I am taking under consideration. It may be foolish