_Lorenzo_--Poor girl! She too struggles, but she too will conquer! [_With an outburst of pride._] She will show that she is indeed my daughter! [_Inez and Edward go up the stage; passing the study door, Inez sees the keepers and gives a start of horror._] _Inez_--What sinister vision affrights my gaze!--No, father, do not enter there. _Edward_--Come, come, my Inez! _Inez_ [_to her father_]--No, no, I entreat you! _Lorenzo_ [_approaching her_]--Inez! _Inez_--Those men there--look! [_Inez stretches out her hand toward the study; Don Lorenzo stands and follows her gaze. At this moment the keepers, hearing her cry, show themselves between the curtains._] _Edward_ [_leading Inez away_]--At last! * * * * * _Lorenzo_--Now I am more tranquil! The wound is mortal! I feel it here in my heart! I thank thee, merciful God! Dr. Tomas _and_ Dr. Bermudez _enter and stop to observe_ Don Lorenzo. _Dr. Tomas_--There he is--sitting in the arm-chair. _Dr. Bermudez_--Unfortunate man! _Lorenzo_ [_rising, aside_]--Ah, miserable being! Still cherishing impossible hopes. Impossible? And what if they honestly believe that I-- [_Despairingly_] Ah! If they loved me they would not believe it. [_Pause._] Did I not hear Inez--the child of my heart--speak of remorse? Why should she speak of remorse? [_Aloud, with increasing agitation._] They are all wretches! They would almost be glad that I should die. But no: I will not die until I have fulfilled my duty as an honorable man; until I have put the climax to my madness. _Dr. Tomas_ [_laying his hand on Don Lorenzo's shoulder_]--Lorenzo-- _Lorenzo_ [_turning, recognizes him and draws back angrily_]--He! _Dr. Tomas_--Let me present to you Dr. Bermudez, one of my best friends. [_Pause. Don Lorenzo regards both strangely._] _Dr. Bermudez_ [_to Dr. Tomas, in a low voice_]--See the effort he makes to control himself; he is vaguely conscious of his condition--there is not a doubt left on my mind. _Lorenzo_--One of your best friends--one of your best friends-- _Dr. Bermudez_ [_aside to Dr. Tomas_]--The idea is escaping him, and he is striving to retain it. _Lorenzo_ [_ironically_]--If he is one of your best friends, then your loyalty is a guarantee for his. _Dr. Bermudez_ [_aside, to Dr. Tomas_]--At last he has found the word. But notice how unnatural is the tone of his voice. [_Aloud._] I have come to be a witness, according to what Dr. Tomas tells me, of a very noble action. _Lorenzo_--And of an act of base treachery also. _Dr. Tomas_--Lorenzo! _Dr. Bermudez_ [_aside, to Dr. Tomas_]--Let him go on talking. _Lorenzo_--And of an exemplary punishment. _Dr. Bermudez_ [_aside to Dr. Tomas_]--A serious case, my friend, a serious case. _Lorenzo_ [_to Dr. Tomas_]--Call everybody: those of the household and strangers alike. Let them assemble here, and here await my orders, while I go to fulfill my duty yonder. What are you waiting for?