Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Third series (IA playstranslatedf03benauoft).pdf/233

. Julio is right. This cannot be.

. No, on the contrary, I am crying now because I am happy. I have never been so happy before in my life!

. Yes, evidently. Sit down, mamma—and you, too. I have brought Don Hilario because the time has come to talk sensibly, without tears or recriminations, because my decision is irrevocable. I am going to marry Emilia, and we shall sail for America, to Buenos Aires. No other solution is possible for us all.

. My poor brother!

. Very well, my son, if you really feel that it means your happiness. I suppose you think that your mother is the only obstacle?

. Don't say that. I won't listen to you.

. No, I am calm, as you see. I hope you will be as calm as I am when you know what I know.

. What do you know?

. Have you made your arrangements for the voyage? Are you sure the position is a good one, that there will be opportunity for advancement?

. Tell them, Don Hilario. They will not believe me.

. Yes, Doña Carmen. Julio has consulted me, and I have approved his plan in its entirety. I offered to write to Buenos Aires, to a friend, a responsible, intelligent gentleman, who has replied to my recommendation of your son in a manner which is most gratifying.

. Here is the letter. Read it, read it. He offers me a position that is well paid, in which I shall have initiative, and at the beginning I shall receive more than I do now. I shall not be embarrassed by the pretense of living like a gentleman, I shall have the satisfaction of being employed at something useful, which is of real service, and not be discouraged, as I am here, eternally issuing orders in our depart-