SCENE VIII
_Teodora, Ernest, and Don Severo. Ernest stands apart on the right. Don Severo places himself between him and Teodora._
D. SEVERO. [_In a low voice of concentrated anger, so that Don Julian may not hear._] I can find no word or epithet adequate to the passion of contempt I would express, so I must be content to call you a blackguard. Leave this house at once.
ERNEST. [_Also in a low voice._] My respect for Teodora, for this house, and for the sick man lying in yonder room, sir, compels me to put my retort—in silence.
D. SEVERO. [_Ironically, under the impression that Ernest is going._] It's the best thing you can do—obey and hold your tongue.
ERNEST. You have not understood me. I do not intend to obey.
SEVERO. You remain?
ERNEST. Until Teodora commands me to go. I was on the point of going away for ever a moment ago, but the Almighty or the devil deterred me. Now you come and order me out, and as if your insult were an infernal message, it roots my heels to the floor in revolt.
SEVERO. We'll see that. There are servants to kick you out, and sticks if necessary.
ERNEST. Try it. [_Approaches Don Severo with a threatening air. Teodora rushes between them._]
TEODORA. Ernest! [_Turns commandingly to Don Severo._] You seem to forget that this is my house as long as my husband lives and is its owner. Only one of us two has the right to command here. [_Softens to Ernest._] Not for him—but for my sake, because I am unhappy——
ERNEST. [_Unable to contain his joy at hearing himself defended by Teodora._] You wish it, Teodora?
TEODORA. I beg it. [_Ernest bows and turns away._]
SEVERO. Your audacity confounds and shocks me as much—no, far more, than his. [_Strides menacingly towards her. Ernest turns swiftly round, then makes a strong effort to control himself and moves away again._] You dare to raise your head, wretched woman, and before me too! Shame on you! [_Ernest repeats previous movements and gestures, but this time more accentuated._] You, so fearful and cowardly, where have you found courage to display this energy in his defence? How eloquent is passion! [_Ernest stands, looking back._] But you forget that, before pitching him out, I had the authority to forbid the door of this house to you, who have stained its threshold with Julian's blood. Why have you returned? [_Seizes her brutally and drags her roughly toward himself._]
ERNEST. No, I can't stand this—I cannot! [_He thrusts himself between Severo and Teodora._] Off, you scoundrel.
SEVERO. Again!
ERNEST. Again.
SEVERO. You have dared to return?
ERNEST. You insolently affront Teodora. I still live. What do you expect me to do, if not return and chastise you, and brand you as a coward?
SEVERO. Me?
ERNEST. Precisely.
TEODORA. No!
ERNEST. He has brought it on himself. I have seen him lift his hand in anger to you—you, you! So now—— [_Seizes Don Severo violently._]
SEVERO. You impudent puppy!
ERNEST. True, but I'll not release you. You loved and respected your mother, I presume. For that reason you must respect Teodora, and humbly bow before a sorrow so immense as hers. This woman, sir, is purer, more honest than the mother of such a man as you.
SEVERO. This to me?
ERNEST. Yes, and I have not yet done.
SEVERO. Your life——
ERNEST. Oh, my life, as much as you like—but afterwards. [_Teodora endeavours to part them, but he pushes her gently away, without releasing Don Severo._] You believe in a God—in a Maker—in hope. Well, then, as you bend your knee before the altar of that God above, so will I compel you to kneel to Teodora,—and that instantly, sir. Down—in the dust.
TEODORA. For mercy's sake——
ERNEST. To the ground! [_Forces Don Severo to kneel._]
TEODORA. Enough, Ernest.
SEVERO. A thousand thunders.
ERNEST. At her feet!
SEVERO. You!
ERNEST. Yes, I.
SEVERO. For her?
ERNEST. For her.
TEODORA. That will do. Hush! [_She points in terror to Don Julian's door. Ernest releases Don Severo, who rises and moves backward. Teodora retreats and forms with Ernest a group in the background._]