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/99

 wanted to come in has gone away—or it was an illusion. For God's sake, Teodora! [Advances up the stage.]

. I had so much to say to you, Ernest, and the time has passed so quickly.

. The time has flown.

. I wanted

. Teodora, pray forgive me—but is it prudent? If any one came in—and, indeed, I fear some one will.

. That is why I came—to prevent it.

. So that?

. I know everything, and I am stricken with horror at the thought that blood should be shed on my account. My head is on fire, my heart is bursting. [Strikes her breast.]

. It is the affront that burns and shames you until my hand has struck at Nebreda's life. He wanted mud! Well, let him have it stained with blood.

. You would kill him?

. Certainly. [Represses Teodora's movement of supplication.] You can dispose of me in all else but in this one thing. Do not ask me to feel compassion for a man whose insult I remember.

. [Prayerfully, with a sob.] For my sake!

. For your sake?

. It would be such a horrible scandal.

. That is possible.

. You can say it so coolly, and not endeavour to avoid it, not even when it is I who implore you!

. I cannot avoid it, but I can chastise it: so I 59