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/86

. What duel?

. [Aside to Severo.] I know nothing about it, but I shall presently.

. [Aside.] Come, I haven't been such a duffer after all.

. [Speaking with an air of certainty.] We know there is a viscount

. Yes.

. With whom Ernest proposes to fight—a certain trustworthy person has informed us, who was at once apprised of it. They say 'tis a serious matter [Pepito nods], a disgraceful quarrel in the presence of several witnesses [Pepito nods again]—the lie direct, and a deluge of bad language

. [Interrupts excitedly, glad of his more accurate information.] Language indeed!—a blow bigger than a monument

. On which side?

. Ernest struck the viscount.

. Of course Ernest struck the viscount. I thought you knew that, Severo. The viscount insulted him. Patience is not the lad's strong point—hence the blow.

. Exactly.

. [Confidently.] I told you we knew the whole story. [Then anxiously.] The affair is serious?

. Most serious. I don't like discussing it, but since you know so much, there is no need for further mystery.

. None whatever. [He approaches Pepito eagerly.]

. [After a pause, adopts an ominous air to announce bad news.] It is a matter of life and death. [Looks round 46