Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Third series (IA playstranslatedf03benauoft).pdf/218

 instance, I intended to ask you a favor; now, I haven't the courage.

. Nonsense, man! You have courage. You must

. No, I am afraid. I know how you feel; no. But I have no one to whom I can go.

. Oh, is that it? How much do you want?

. A trifle, just to help me over the next two or three days, until the end of the month. You have no idea… What with the money I borrowed last year, which I shall never repay, although it seems to me I have paid it seven times over, and the everlasting expense of running the house—why, we spend a fortune on the doctor alone, although we have gone in now for homœopathy, the medicines cost less, and we pay the doctor, too, on the same plan, in small doses…

. I see. How much do you need?

. Man, I don't dare; I am afraid. I don't suppose you could spare twenty-five pesetas? Until the end of the month? As soon as I have my salary… you needn't bother to mention it. There will be no occasion to ask.

. No, no, of course not. Except for what I pay, as my share, toward the family, I spend nothing—in fact, less now than before.

. Honestly, isn't it any sacrifice?

. I should tell you if it was. Here you are.

. No, I'll only take three. I'll get along somehow.

. Don't be an ass.

. Till the first of the month, eh? If you need the money before… But you do need it.

. No, man, no. Why shouldn't I say so?

. You make me feel very uncomfortable. Thanks, my boy, thanks. You don't know the tight fix I am in.