Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Third series (IA playstranslatedf03benauoft).pdf/249

 am perfectly sure demoralizes you all, are expected to-day. I want you to tell me the truth

. I am sorry, however, for poor Bumbum!

. Yes, poor Bumbum! he persuaded the Arellanos's governess that he honestly intended to marry her, and the first thing they knew they had to dismiss her, because when she found out that poor Bumbum was married already, she put in a claim for damages with the British Ambassador.

. I understood that that governess had already been pretty thoroughly internationalized.

. Really? Do you know, mother never would consent to a governess in our house?

. But how silly of her! Your brothers were educated abroad. Why all this sudden interest in poor Bumbum?

. I am not interested in him, nor in your other friends either. They are merely chorus, marching on. I have come because… Well, I told you… I want to find out…

. To find out? What?

. What every woman wants to know—what men say about her when they are alone. In a few days, I shall marry Gonzalo, yet what do I know about Gonzalo? I know him as a suitor, but I haven't the slightest idea what sort of husband he will make.

. What is the nature of the investigation you propose?

. I intend to experiment.

. How? By hiding here and listening to our conversation this afternoon? It may be utterly trifling.

. Not if you turn the conversation to women. Introduce me as a topic; it should not be difficult. It is timely at least.

. Poor Luisita! How distressingly feminine! You imagine you are clever, and you are more innocent than be-