CASALONGA. You are the first man I ever heard of who was offended because it was said that he had been intimate with his wife. The thing is preposterous. How are we ever going to fight over it? ZURITA. I can see his point of view. FLORENCIO. Patricio could never have written those letters, much less to you. CASALONGA. Talk as much as you like, the letters are genuine. Although it may have been foolish of Patricio to have written them--that is a debatable question. I published them so as to enliven the book. A little harmless suggestion--people look for it; it adds spice. Aside from that, what motive could I have had for dragging you into it? FLORENCIO. I admire your frankness at least. ZURITA. What do you propose to do with this man? FLORENCIO. What do you propose? CASALONGA. You know I was always fond of you. You are a man of ability. FLORENCIO. Thanks. CASALONGA. You have more ability than Patricio had. He was a worthy soul, no doubt, but between us, who were in the secret, an utter blockhead. FLORENCIO. Hardly that. CASALONGA. I need not tell you what reputations amount to in this country. If he had had your brains, your transcendent ability.... FLORENCIO. How can I stop this man from talking? CASALONGA. You have always been too modest in my opinion; you have remained in the background in order to give him a chance to shine, to attract attention. Everybody knows that his best speeches were written by you. FLORENCE. You have no right to betray my confidence. CASALONGA. Yes, gentlemen, it is only just that you should know. The real brains belonged to this man, he is the one who should have had the statue. As a friend he is wonderful, unique! FLORENCIO. How am I going to fight with this man? CASALONGA. I will give out a statement at once--for public consumption--declaring that the letters are forgeries--or whatever you think best; as it appeals to you. Fix it up for yourself. It is of no consequence anyhow. I am above this sort of thing. I should be sorry, however, to see this fellow receive more than his due, which is two _reals_ a copy, or what he paid me. VALDIVIESO. I cannot permit you to meddle in my affairs. You are a rogue and a cheat. CASALONGA. A rogue and a cheat? In that case you are the one I will fight with. You are no friend of mine. You are an exploiter of other men's brains. VALDIVIESO. You are willing to fight with me, are you--a respectable man, the father of a family? After swindling me out of my money! CASALONGA. Swindling? That is no language to use in this house. VALDIVIESO. I use it where I like. FLORENCIO. Gentlemen, gentlemen! This is my house, this is the house of my wife! ZURITA. Valdivieso! CASALONGA [_to Florencio_]. I choose you for my second. And you too, my friend--what is your name? VALDIVIESO. But will you listen to him? Do you suppose that I will fight with this rascal, with the first knave who happens along? I, the father of a family?