Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Third series (IA playstranslatedf03benauoft).pdf/197

. We almost never go out, as my daughter's health is so delicate. Julio will explain

. It is quite unnecessary. Of course, I appreciate that you are not pleased, but it is not any too pleasant for me, either. You do not have to convince me that our children have been foolish; in fact, it is downright madness. But what can their mothers do? However you may have discouraged your son, you may be sure it is nothing to what I have done to my daughter; I never miss an opportunity. It is no reflection upon us, nor any disparagement to our children, and I should not care to be understood as insinuating that either of them might have done better elsewhere. It is simply that, in my opinion, this affair is impossible.

. [To ] I am listening to our mothers blossoming out into mothers-in-law. We are tempting fate.

. Mamma is offended because your mother hasn't called since we moved. You saw how hard it was to make her come. I had to exaggerate dreadfully about poor Luisita.

. Perhaps we had better intervene. It begins to look serious.

. Yes, start a general conversation.

. Mother…

. What is it, dear?

. Where are Manolo and Paquita this evening?

. They were here, but they left. Word came the boys were crying.

. Great news!

. Yes, five children at their age! Isn't it a calamity? How can they expect any peace?

. You can't put that too strongly.

. Some people might profit by their example.