Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/272

 gent, as you will soon be convinced. He talks like this to please the ladies.

. In that case he is more of a fool than I thought. He shows absolutely no knowledge of women.

. How should he?—after having been in business all his life under the eye of his father. The position requires no intelligence.

. It is one of great responsibility. When we already have Jiménez

. Jiménez is satisfied with the post which he occupies. How can we refuse Barona what he asks for his son?

. Asks for him? He asks nothing. He wrote me that his son was coming to Madrid on a pleasure-trip, on his honeymoon.

. Well, the boy told me that his father's purpose in sending him was to obtain this position. It seems that he had contracted relations in Paris before his marriage with a woman of certain character, and it is not wise at present for him to reside there. His wife insists upon a change.

. Is that so? His wife—and yours, I suppose? I understand perfectly. The moment that she entered I saw that you were interested.

. Absurd! I have no idea what you mean. Do you suppose that I would dare… With a girl who has just been married? The wife of a sou of my friend?

. Yes, yes, that makes a great difference to you.

. Eh?

. I believe my wife is the only woman you have ever respected, and that is not because I trust you; I trust her.

. Don't be a fool. To-morrow we shall present