Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Third series (IA playstranslatedf03benauoft).pdf/246

. But you understand French?

. I do, señorita—enough to talk with the French when travelling, but the young gentlemen speak such excellent French that I cannot understand them. I don't exaggerate. I hear the young gentleman behind the door now. The bell rang, and he has heard my voice, so naturally, announcing no one…

. And he has heard my voice, too, a woman's voice, which must be extraordinary in this apartment. Come in! Come right in! It is I.

. You? Luisita! [To the ] Why didn't you announce this young lady at once?

. He was as thoroughly shocked as yourself.

. To tell the truth

. Anything else, sir?

. Not at present. Ask my friends into the other room… Don't shut that door!

. Well, Luisita? Are you alone? Have you permission to come?

. Why permission? Papa and mamma would be terribly shocked. Imagine what people would think if they knew that I was here with you, alone, a bachelor, in your apartment. Bachelor apartments have such dreadful reputations; all respectable families are convinced they are scandalous. It was bold of me, wasn't it? Now tell me the truth!

. Bold of you? You know it.

. That depends.

. I hope you have a good reason for coming.

. Let me explore a little first. I think your room is decidedly chic. I am awfully anxious to see the pictures. Ah!… You have taste; you don't exhibit pictures of girls