Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Third series (IA playstranslatedf03benauoft).pdf/80

. Justly so. Yet during these last years, they have hesitated at nothing to discredit my son.

. What constitution at his age could support this continual liquidation?

. If Florencio had been otherwise—pardon, I do not wish to distress you—he is your son, and I know how you love him. But Florencio's conduct

. What can you tell me that I do not already know? I have shed too many tears. But now his health distresses me. I have brought him here to recuperate.

. Here? You arrived two days ago, and already the Prefect has advised me that he is frequenting objectionable resorts.

. Great heaven!

. The Prefect is a man of the world; everybody calls him the Signore. He is paid handsomely to keep the peace, and throw an air of respectability over this petty principality, which is a cosmopolis and Mecca of all the idlers of the earth.

. Do you tell me that Florencio…?

. There is no cause for alarm. The Signore has detailed special agents to watch him; they will protect him should occasion arise. Nevertheless, it is deplorable.

. Yes, it is. You sympathize with me. Nothing remained but that he should form an intimacy with this Lucenti, this poet, half-English, half-Italian, a man utterly without moral sense. Lord and Lady Seymour were scandalized to meet him here.

. Is it possible? But I thought… pardon a moment. I noticed, my lady, that you appeared to be somewhat shocked by the presence of Harry Lucenti.

. Really, nobody receives that man.