Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Third series (IA playstranslatedf03benauoft).pdf/211

. Yes, he is home. Would you like to see him?

. If I could have a few words—on a matter of business.

. I'll call him. Wait… Here comes Adelaida.

. Oh, my dear, my darling Luisa! Where is your mother?

. Why, what is the matter? Something has happened to you!

. Oh, what a misfortune! Such a terrible calamity!

. You don't mean it? Really, Adelaida?

. I beg your pardon; I didn't see you were there.

. I beg yours; I just ran in undressed. I didn't get to bed at all last night; I hadn't time even to wash.

. I don't believe I should have noticed it. This morning I am scarcely myself…

. But what is it?

. Oh, you could never guess! It is too horrible! Galán is at death's door. He may even be dead while we sit here and talk.

. You don't say so?

. What was that again?

. But I can't believe it. This is so sudden!

. For the past four or five days, as you know, he has not left the house; he suffered from a severe cold, that was all. Cristóbal stopped in to see him every day, and even yesterday we were not alarmed; but last night he sent word that he was worse, he had fever. Cristóbal hurried at once to his side, and at eleven I received a message that he was going to sit up and watch him all night; his condition was serious. This morning I became anxious when Cristóbal did not appear, so I sent the maid to inquire, and