Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Third series (IA playstranslatedf03benauoft).pdf/144

 ing and talking with the Countess; it all seemed so unreal and far away—spectres from the other world, phantoms of our witches' souls. But it is the truth, Leonardo; it is the truth!

. But what are you going to do? They will find out…

. I am not afraid. I shall fight; I shall win. Phantoms cannot frighten me. They will be here in a moment; perhaps they already know. You see, I am calm. They will say nothing. You will see…

. No, Imperia, you are trembling. What is that you are staring at?

. No, no! I am calm. Hush! They are here…

. They must know.

. I shall tell them if they do not.

. Imperia, the Signor Prefect wishes to speak with you. Pardon, Leonardo, I did not know you were here.

. Highness…

. [To the ] Leonardo will retire with me, if you prefer to see her alone.

. No, I prefer that he remain during the examination. I assume the Signor Prefect wishes to examine me?

. As you see.

. Then I prefer to answer in the presence of my friends. Otherwise, the authority of the Signor Prefect might prove intimidating.

. Unfortunately, indications that something serious has happened to Prince Florencio multiply every moment. No one has seen him this morning. It has been impossible to ascertain where he is.

. It is known that last night he was at Cecco's