Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/88

. With pleasure—or, rather, I should do so were I certain of my own reception. My relations with Princess Helena have never been overcordial, as perhaps you know. Under different circumstances, through a coincidence, we encountered opposition at Court at the same time. It seems that the accident aggravated the condition of the Emperor, so that if we were not sympathetic before, our antipathy has since increased rapidly.

. I beg your pardon; I had no idea…

. [To the ] Discussion is useless. My mind is made up. Do as I tell you.

. Oh, for the heroic soul of my ancestors and the courage to oppose your wishes! Think—think again, for the last time!

. Otherwise I shall speak to him myself.

. No! Never that! Wait… [To the ] Highness!

. Eh? Ah, yes! My dear Baroness! I am delighted—delighted and surprised. In fact, I scarcely expected—certainly not before the Princess…

. It was Her Highness who insisted upon my speaking to you.

. She did? It seems incredible.—If you do not mind… one moment, my dear Comte.

. I retire in Her Highness's favor. Apparently she wishes a word with you.

. Yes, wait outside. The introduction will be possible very shortly. [The  retires] Did you say it was she?… I thought she avoided me.

. She had the same impression of Your Highness.

. Of me? How could she? On the contrary… My dear cousin!