Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/60

 I was not in love with him at the time; the Baroness will tell you so.

. Upon the honor of my ancestors!

. Baroness, I remain unconvinced. An end to this nonsense. The scandal which you have created throughout the civilized world by your conduct, the indelible blot which it has cast upon the good name of our house, not to speak of the moral and political disorders which your escapades have encouraged in the Empire, deserve punishment which shall be exemplary. Princess Helena, there is one way in which you may obtain pardon, and only one—indeed, in some measure it may be said to justify it—you may have yourself declared insane, and submit to confinement in one of the royal residences for an indefinite period, dependent upon your good sense and deportment.

. Thanks. If I am guilty, I prefer to be responsible for my acts. Have you no saner suggestion for my reformation? Frankly, I fail to appreciate your solicitude for the family honor. The Empire would feel itself far more secure, in my opinion, if it were to believe that we were capable of falling in love in our right minds, than if it were to get the idea that we are all of us such crazy imbeciles that we are incapable of anything. If you once begin to declare members of our family insane, you will have occupation to last you for the rest of your life. It will be a sorry outlook for the nation to find itself governed by a family in which there are so many persons without sense.

. Is this a joke? Are you laughing at me?

. No, I am not laughing. I realize now that it was a mistake for me to throw myself upon the mercy of a man who never had any.

. Outrageous insolence! Out of my sight! You are banished from Suavia!