Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Third series (IA playstranslatedf03benauoft).pdf/140

 They telegraphed again directly after the announcement of his birth. The Emperor has summoned Prince Florencio and his mother to return to court; he wishes to become reconciled, perhaps to abdicate. He is not well; the country is on the brink of revolution. A despotic government is no longer possible in these days. Then, Florencio's health is conspiring against me. Once more near the throne!

. Very near! Prince Florencio, that is all. Have you seen him to-day?

. No, I was to have taken luncheon at their villa, but his mother was horribly disturbed. Florencio had not returned all night.

. Don't they know…?

. Nothing could have happened to him. A debauch! Morning surprised him in some tavern; it was impossible to return home in broad daylight. I have notified the Prefect.

. But you say his mother…

. This anxiety will kill her. She cannot endure it; it is one continual agitation. To-day she was more affected than usual. She woke suddenly at midnight; she thought she heard a cry

. At midnight?

. Yes. Now to her mind it has taken the form of a presentiment, and I confess that I was myself affected by it, although of course nothing could have happened. The police are with him continually; it is out of the question. Besides, nobody has seen Harry Lucenti. However, the Signore will know.

. Have you any idea where he was?

. No, but they will have, and they will know who was with him. Otherwise… You don't think that anything could have happened to him?