Page:The great Galeoto; Folly or saintliness; two plays done from the verse of José Echegaray into English prose by Hannah Lynch (IA greatgaleotofoll00echerich).djvu/232

 LAST SCENE

Doña Ángela, Inés, the Duchess, Edward, Don Lorenzo, Bermúdez, and Dr. Tomás.

''The position of the persons is as follows. The three women form a group at sofa; Edward behind the sofa looking at Don Lorenzo in terror, dominated by him. Don Lorenzo advances to the middle of the stage, with a proud, calm bearing. Behind him come Dr. Tomás and Bermúdez, who remain standing near door C.''

. [Approaches table, and triumphantly places one hand on desk.] Here is the proof. Here lies the truth! [''Pause. Opens desk and takes out envelope with blank sheet. Comes down stage. On one side Dr. Tomás and Bermúdez. Edward approaches him on the other.''] Woe to them who think to sacrifice me to their own interests and passions! Bitter will be their deception and most cruel their punishment! Would to God my forgiveness could mitigate it for them. [Deeply moved.]

. [Coming nearer.] Lorenzo!

. Father

. Here is the proof, Tomás; here is the proof, Ángela, here, my child, is the proof. Listen. [''Pause. Don Lorenzo opens envelope. All gather round him.''] This is—what is this? [Holds paper away from his eyes, over which he rubs his hand.] What shade is this that dims my eyes? Can it be that there are tears in them which impede clear vision? No,—I cried before—but now I am not weeping. [Looks at paper again with horrible anxiety, opens it altogether, and seeks for writing on all sides.] Where are the words that woman wrote? I have read them a thousand times—and now I can't [To Dr. Tomás, holding out paper to him.] What does it say?—read,—read quickly—only tell me what it says. 192