Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/277

 dear Laura, and believe me when I tell you that this is no joke.

. True. Through this tiny door, perhaps, we may succeed in saving your soul, and you find indulgence for your multitudinous sins.

. So Pepe is not dining with us this evening?

. Why? Did you see him?

. Yes, a moment ago

. Where?

. In the Calle de Alcalá.

. Oh! With some friends?

. No, he was alone.

. Alone? Why, his note said…

. What did his note say?

. Nothing.—Alone! Did you hear that? He was alone!

. Be careful! Never see a married man anywhere unless his wife is along.

. Careful? Because I said I met him alone on the street? Did you expect me to tell her that I saw him running up-stairs at the Restaurant Fornos with a party of friends—his friends, your friends, and mine?

. Not mine, no! Do me that favor.

. At least I suppose they were friends of yours. What woman is not your friend?

. Dinner is served.

. Le dernier cri this season runs the gamut of yellows: sulphur, lemon, orange, apricot—one may even wear yolk of an egg…

. This fellow's conversation is limited to diet and clothes.