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/71

. But what does it all mean? What is the mystery, and what is this talk of the town?

. So you're sorry?

. I am sorry. But what is it?

. You see, Teodora, you are quite a child. At your age one is so often thoughtless and light, and then such bitter tears are afterwards shed. You still don't understand me?

. No, what has such a case to do with me?

. It is the story of a scoundrel and the story of a lady

. [Eagerly.] Whose name?

. Her name

. Oh, what does it matter?

. The man is a shabby-hearted betrayer, who, for one hour of pleasure, would thrust upon the woman a life of sorrow: the husband's dishonour, the ruin of a family, and she left shamed and condemned to social penitence in the world's disdain, and to keener punishment still at the whip of her own conscience.

. [Aside.] Poor little thing! She touches me. [Aloud.] This man is not worthy of you, Teodora.

. But, madam, what is the drift of all this blind emotion? Do not imagine that my eyes are dimmed with fear or horror or tears. They burn with the flame of anger. To whom can such words be addressed? What man do you mean? Is it, perchance? 31