SCENE VI

_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._]