Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/273

 his name at the meeting of the Junta together. A word will suffice.

. [To ] What is the opinion of Panama shares in France? I bought a number at a most flattering figure. Everybody agrees that I am long now on futures.

. They are a dormant security—but with the water let in it, Panama will be a second Suez. [Noticing earrings] May I examine those pearls? They are exquisite. I have seen few of such clear lustre, and I am familiar with pearls. Par excellence, the pearl is the feminine jewel.

. I inherited these from my Aunt Leonor, who left me the few jewels I possess. I regard it as wasteful to lock up money in jewels, where it is no longer liquid. They cost a fortune to buy, but when one comes to sell…

. I see that your disposition, like mine, is severely practical. My husband is quite the opposite. He has the soul of an artist; he spends all his money on things which are useless.

. Yet he has devoted his life to business, among men of affairs.

. That is the reason I detest them so thoroughly. Ah! What is life without poetry, without an ideal?

. We exchanged roles, as you see, when we married.

. [To ] We were confused for a moment ourselves.

. Life slips by Adolphe like a beautiful dream.

. He is making a tremendous mistake.

. Do you think so?

. If he dreams, he must be asleep—not a proper attitude in a young husband.

. Shocking! But men are never serious in Spain. Do you know, I am beginning to have my doubts about you?