Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/87

 of wild beasts. If there is no limit to selfishness merely because we wish to be happy

. But there is a limit to happiness—it is the pain which we give to others.

. And do you mean to say that you have not long since passed that limit? Consider how Their Majesties feel! How does your husband feel? Think of me!

. Absurd! You do not call that unhappiness? It is not my idea of pain. What I have offended is merely vanity, their pride, prejudices of rank, Court etiquette. No human being has shed one real tear because of me. Anger, not sorrow, is the emotion which they feel. One single tear in the eyes of those who love us deserves the sacrifice of all the happiness in the world, but the shrieks and yells of this childish rage, which is neither sorrow, nor love, nor even genuine rage, are not worth the sacrifice of one passing caprice, much less of the happiness which might have been ours in the world.

. If I borrowed of the bank, my friend, it was because the sum was utterly insignificant. I have been playing in abominable luck this evening—although I had a presentiment that my luck was about to change.

. I forgive you upon the understanding that this evening is to be an exception. Any reflection upon my friendship, I could never forgive.

. My dear Comte, I await a fitting opportunity of demonstrating my appreciation of your generosity and esteem fully.

. Will you be so kind as to present me to your cousin, the Princess Helena? I owe her an explanation and an apology.