Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Third series (IA playstranslatedf03benauoft).pdf/157

. With the greatest of pleasure. Something appropriate—a Magdalen, perhaps. Would you prefer her before or after conversion?

. Only be sure that she has plenty of clothes.

. Better have it before, then. Afterward, you recall in what state she ran through the wilderness—as you will be doing shortly, no doubt, though not through the wilderness.

. [Running after ] Don't you run away. Give me that letter! Give it to me, or…

. [Discovering the ] Hush! Be still! Don't you see?… You're always picking at me.

. You always

. Let me alone, I tell you.

. [To ] Oh, don't bother to explain! Two protégés of Imperia's… Daphnis and Chloe? Or Paul and Virginia? This is the Garden of Love.

. Of profane love; it is not for you.

. Will you tell Imperia of the object of my visit?

. I shall announce your conversion.

. But merely as a preliminary; I am counting upon her.

. She will certainly hear of it.

. These lovers are fascinating! Both children, of course… How old is the boy?

. Countess, a ripe age.

. Give me that letter! Give it to me!

. That's right. Scream, kick, cry, so that everybody can hear—you always do. Then when you get worse, they'll say it's my fault. Didn't I tell you it was for Tommy? Can't you read? What do you want me to say?