Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Third series (IA playstranslatedf03benauoft).pdf/174

 on the other hand, if there is a woman anywhere who has a daily income, and requires a husband, although it may be only on part time, here I am. We can complete each other.

. How could you sacrifice yourself, living forever with a person that you did not love?

. Marriage with money is like a formal call. If I had money, do you suppose I would trouble my wife with my society, any more than I do now my chief at the office? However disagreeable a wife may be, there is no comparison between her and an employer. When you have money, you are enjoying yourselves while you are together, at the theatre, at dinner, riding out in the motor, or travelling. Believe me, it is safe to laugh at all this talk about incompatibility of temper among married people. What you actually find is incompatibility of expense.

. It is dreadful for a young man to talk like that. You are not the only one, either; there are many. What is a poor girl to do?

. If she is good-looking, marry a rich husband, as I just said. Complete yourself.

. But if she is ugly and insignificant?

. I should advise you not to be too modest.

. If she is merely honest and humble and industrious?—to prove to you that I am not too modest.

. Not all men feel as I do, or as I say that I do, to keep my courage up. I am more romantic at bottom than a lake in full moonlight. The truth is that I am afraid of life, of love, of the want of means. At home, I have witnessed many a harrowing scene, although my parents loved each other, and they loved their children dearly. But demands were many and resources few. It is cruel that love should depend upon anything but love. I recall an incident which I shall never forget as long as I live. There were five of us