_Inés, Edward, Juana, Don Lorenzo, and Dr. Tomás. Juana appears in door
C. supported by Don Lorenzo and Dr. Tomás, stands for breath and then
slowly advances; is poorly and darkly clad._
EDWARD. [_Turning round._] What a sombre group! Why does this black
cloud come to dim the azure of our heaven?
INÉS. It is Juana, my father's nurse. Oh, it is quite a story. I will
tell it to you afterwards.
DON LORENZO. Easy, Juana, easy——
JUANA. Who is that young lady?
DON LORENZO. Inés, my daughter. Come hither, Inés. [_Inés approaches,
followed by Edward._]
JUANA. How very lovely! She looks like an angel. To find such a creature
at one's side in the hour of eternal darkness would seem a presage of
heaven.
DON LORENZO. Another step.
DR. TOMÁS. One more effort—the last. [_They help her to the sofa, where
she sits down. The rest stand round her._]
JUANA. I should like to kiss her. [_Points to Inés, who comes nearer.
Juana takes her hand and draws her to her._] No, your hand is warm and
my breath is ice. I may not kiss you! It would be to give you the kiss
of death. [_Pushes her gently away and lets her hand fall._] Not with
the lips, but in thought do I kiss you.
DR. TOMÁS. [_To Edward and Inés._] Come away. The poor woman wants to be
alone with him. [_To Juana._] Till later, and courage. Your pains are
over.
JUANA. Yes, those of this world.
INÉS. Poor woman! [_Stands and looks at her._]
EDWARD. Come, my darling.
[_Exeunt Dr. Tomás, Inés, and Edward, R._]