Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/332

 all else in the world, like heaven in our lives. No, do not attempt to tell me that María Antonia has acted wisely, do not tell me that you wish it had been you. If I had had for one instant ground to accuse you… I do not know… I do not know… How can I tell, when I cannot even conceive that such a thing could be?

. Gonzalo! My Gonzalo! You are right—forgiving always, waiting always, for I have learned to wait… And now, at last, I feel that my waiting has not been in vain!

. Isabel! Isabel!…

. Carmen!

. Ramón has told me. He came to me in tears, like a child, and asked my forgiveness for having dared even so much as to doubt. Forgiveness from me, imagine it—who can never forgive myself! He told me that you—and I could not wait, I had to see you, to fall on my knees before you, if only you allow. I suffer horribly. I should have confessed, but then the mortification would no longer have been mine alone, it would have attached to you—and you are free from blame.

. Yes, I am free from blame… I am very happy. Gonzalo, bring your daughter. As you believe in me, there was no fault in her.

. I obey…

. Isabel, Pepe has listened to reason. He is convinced that he is wrong, and he is willing to forgive. He only fears that María Antonia

. Yes, not as yet…

. Not as yet? María Antonia and Pepe…?