GoNZALO.  I  shall  not  have  time  in  the  morning.  That  re-
minds me:  I  told  Pepe  I  should  not  leave  early;  but  I  must.
Isabel.  Why.''

GoNZALO.  A  conference  with  Ramon  before  the  meeting
of  the  Junta.
Isabel.  Oh,  yes !  To  persuade  him  to  favor  the  nomina-
tion ?

Gonzalo.  And  other  business.  I  must  finish  those  let-
ters. \He  passes  into  the  study.
Isabel.  Oh !    By  the  way ....
Gonzalo.  [Outside]  What  is  it.''

Isabel.  Nothing.  [Isabel  rings  and  a  Servant  enters]
Ask  Lueila  to  come  to  my  room;  I  shall  retire  immediately.
[Gonzalo  begins  to  sing  in  the  study]  You  seem  to  be  happy.
Gonzalo.  I  was  not  thinking.  That  music  runs  in  my
head.
280  AUTUMNAL  ROSES  act  ii

Isabel.  Oh,  horrible ! . . . .  Too  horrible !  It  cannot  be
possible

GoNZALO.  I  have  always  had  a  bad  ear.
[He  continues  to  sing.
Isabel.  But  how ....  how  can  you  be  happy  ?

GoNZALO.  Are  j'ou  sorry  to  see  me  happy?

Isabel.  No,  no. . . .  No  doubt  you  have  reason  to  be
happy.
A  pau^e.  Isabel  bursts  into  tears.  Gonzalo  suddenly
appears  in  the  doorway.  Isabel  endeavors  to  con-
trol lierself,  as  she  sees  him.
Gonzalo.  Isabel,  I  have  something  to  tell  you

Isabel.  What  is  it  ?    What  do  you  wish  .'*

Gonzalo.  But  what  is  the  matter .'  Why  are  you  crying.-*
For  you  are  crying.    What  is  the  matter  ?

Isabel.  Nothing,  oh,  nothing.  I  did  not  mean  to  trouble
you,  but  Maria  Antonia  is  very  unhappy.  She  is  jealous.
Pepe

Gonzalo.  Nonsense !  Utter  foolishness !  Who  pays  any
attention  to  such  things.'*     Nerves  in  a  spoiled  child.
Isabel.  Perhaps. . .  .you  don't  know. . ..
