JUANITO. But there is none. DON GONZALO. But that one over there is mine. JUANITO. But there are three priests sitting there. DON GONZALO. Let them get up. Have they gone, Juanito? JUANITO. No, indeed. They are in animated conversation. DON GONZALO. Just as if they were glued to the seat. No hope of their leaving. Come this way, Juanito. [_They walk toward birds._] DOÑA LAURA [_indignantly_]. Look out! DON GONZALO [_turning his head_]. Are you talking to me, Señora? DOÑA LAURA. Yes, to you. DON GONZALO. What do you wish? DOÑA LAURA. You have scared away the birds who were feeding on bread crumbs. DON GONZALO. What do I care about the birds. DOÑA LAURA. But I do. DON GONZALO. This is a public park. DOÑA LAURA. Then why do you complain that the priests have taken your bench? DON GONZALO. Señora, we have not been introduced to each other. I do not know why you take the liberty of addressing me. Come, Juanito. [_Both exit._] DOÑA LAURA. What an ill-natured old man. Why must some people get so fussy and cross when they reach a certain age? I am glad. He lost that bench, too. Serves him right for scaring the birds. He is furious. Yes, yes; find a seat if you can. Poor fellow! He is wiping the perspiration from his face. Here he comes. A carriage would not raise more dust than he does with his feet. [_Enter Don Gonzalo and Juanito._] DON GONZALO. Have the priests gone yet, Juanito? JUANITO. No, indeed, Señor. They are still there. DON GONZALO. The authorities should place more benches here for these sunny mornings. Well, I suppose I must resign myself and sit on the same bench with the old lady. [_Muttering to himself, he sits at the extreme end of Doña Laura's bench and looks at her indignantly. Touches his hat as he greets her._] Good morning. DOÑA LAURA. What, you here again? DON GONZALO. I repeat that we have not been introduced. DOÑA LAURA. I am responding to your greeting. DON GONZALO. Good morning should be answered by good morning, and that is what you should have said. DOÑA LAURA. And you should have asked permission to sit on this bench which is mine. DON GONZALO. The benches here are public property. DOÑA LAURA. Why, you said the one the priests occupied was yours. DON GONZALO. Very well, very well. I have nothing more to say. [_Between his teeth_.] Doting old woman. She should be at home with her knitting and counting her beads. DOÑA LAURA. Don't grumble any more. I'm not going to leave here just to please you. DON GONZALO [_brushing the dust from his shoes with his handkerchief_]. If the grounds were sprinkled more freely it would be an improvement. DOÑA LAURA. What an idea, to brush your shoes with your handkerchief. DON GONZALO. What? DOÑA LAURA. Do you use a shoe brush as a handkerchief? DON GONZALO. By what right do you criticize my actions? DOÑA LAURA. By the rights of a neighbor. DON GONZALO. Juanito, give me my book. I do not care to hear any more nonsense. DOÑA LAURA. You are very polite.