The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe Lucky ManThis ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.*** This is a COPYRIGHTED Project Gutenberg eBook. Details Below. ****** Please follow the copyright guidelines in this file. ***Title: The Lucky ManAuthor: Monsieur BaronTranslator: Frank J. MorlockRelease date: January 1, 2004 [eBook #4906]Most recently updated: May 19, 2013Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Dagny and Frank J. Morlock*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LUCKY MAN ***
This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
*** This is a COPYRIGHTED Project Gutenberg eBook. Details Below. ****** Please follow the copyright guidelines in this file. ***
*** This is a COPYRIGHTED Project Gutenberg eBook. Details Below. ***
*** Please follow the copyright guidelines in this file. ***
Title: The Lucky ManAuthor: Monsieur BaronTranslator: Frank J. MorlockRelease date: January 1, 2004 [eBook #4906]Most recently updated: May 19, 2013Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Dagny and Frank J. Morlock
Title: The Lucky Man
Author: Monsieur BaronTranslator: Frank J. Morlock
Author: Monsieur Baron
Translator: Frank J. Morlock
Release date: January 1, 2004 [eBook #4906]Most recently updated: May 19, 2013
Language: English
Credits: Produced by Dagny and Frank J. Morlock
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LUCKY MAN ***
Produced by Dagny and Frank J. Morlock
This Etext is for private use only. No republication for profit in print or other media may be made without the express consent of the Copyright Holder. The Copyright Holder is especially concerned about performance rights in any media on stage, cinema, or television, or audio or any other media, including readings for which an entrance fee or the like is charge. Permissions should be addressed to: Frank Morlock, 6006 Greenbelt Rd, #312, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA or frankmorlock@msn.com. Other works by this author may be found at http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/personnage.asp?key=130
a play by Frank J. Morlocktranslated and adapted from the French ofMichel Baron
C 1991By Frank J. Morlock
CHARACTERS:Cadwell (Moncade)Bendish (Pasquin)Laura (Lucinde)Olivia (Leonore)Arabella (Araminte)Selina (Cidalise)Worthy (Eraste)Slice (Ergaste)Mr. Martin (Martin)Jenny (Marton)Little Gentleman (Petite Chevalier)Three lackeys or pages
The time, 1687.The place, a large room in Laura's mansion.
Olivia: Yes, brother, your plan to marry Laura will not work unless someone opens her eyes about Cadwell.
Jenny: (to Worthy) She loves him—you are not unaware of that. Laura is a widow, and I am certain that if she isn't brought to reason, and very quickly she won't delay marrying Cadwell. Count on what I tell you, I've been with her for several years and I know her.
Olivia: (to Worthy) Aside from your little love interest what would her uncle Victor think if he found she were married without being forewarned? Wouldn't he have a right to complain of us after having taken care to lodge her with us so we could watch her conduct and report to him?
Worthy: I see all this as you see it, but my love makes me say more than I should. I'm afraid of displeasing Laura and besides—
Jenny: (interrupting him)And while we debate these matters Cadwell perhaps will marry Laura.
Worthy: (to Olivia)What must I do then?
Olivia:Fulfill your promise to Victor to warn him of all that is happening.Tell him of your passion for his niece. Omit nothing that might serveto render you happy.
Worthy: I could never do it.
Jenny:What! Such false delicacy—
Worthy:But, sis, please—
Olivia: (interrupting him)Brother, do you want to marry Laura or not?
Worthy:Yes, I mean to do it!
Olivia:Then do what you're told and we will take care of the rest.
Worthy:My happiness is in your hands.
Jenny:Get going then!
(Exit Worthy looking very uncertain and ill at ease)
Olivia:Jenny, what's Laura doing?
Jenny:I've just finished dressing her. She'll soon be here.
Olivia:We've got to find a way to expose this fine Mr. Cadwell.
Jenny: Fine! He can be easily exposed and trapped. But I warn you, he'll get out of it again with a facility that will surprise you.
Olivia: In spite of all that, Jenny, we must help my brother. You have promised me.
Jenny:I haven't started badly and while Cadwell has been in the countrythese last two days believe you me, I've not forgotten to rouseLaura's suspiciosn.
Olivia:Here she is—
(Enter Laura)
What's wrong with you then, madam? You look sad to me.
Laura:I don't know, Olivia, I haven't slept.
Olivia:The people who trouble your repose may not care to restore it to you.
Laura: (defensively)You are very good, madam, to take part in something that regards me.
Olivia:I admit to you that I would like to see you at ease.
(Laura turns her head towards Cadwell's apartment)
How little attention you pay to what I say to you! One must be more your friend than I am—
Laura: (interrupting her) Not at all, Olivia. It seems to me I hear you—and if I were not to, should you be taking note of what I am doing?
Olivia: Yes, I ought to, Laura. Don't I have an interest in everything that touches you? Do you imagine I can watch with pleasure as people abuse your good faith? Am I not aware of your unjust preference and ought I not to try to make you know the difference between hearts that are truly attached to you and those that——? Believe me, Laura, I know it, and you will know them as I do, those who love you for yourself, those who sacrifice—
Laura: (to Jenny, turning again towards Cadwell's apartment)Jenny, have you seen—?
Olivia:Madam, I see that I am embarrassing you—
Laura:Olivia, I ask your pardon. I admit to you—
Olivia: (interrupting her)I will leave you—
Laura: (trying to hold her)Oh, no—please—
(Exit Olivia)
Jenny:It's clear that you have some distractions—
Laura: (interrupting)Jenny!
Jenny:Madam?
Laura:Has he gone?
Jenny:Who?
Laura:Has he gone, I said?
Jenny:Mr. Worthy?
Laura:No.
Jenny:Your lackey?
Laura:Who spoke of my lackey? Cadwell—has he left?
Jenny: I don't think he's awake yet.— For some time, you've become so difficult to serve that it requires far greater penetration and patience than I can muster to stand you. Am I the mistress of your distractions and caprices? People don't say I am the reason you are not loved?
Laura:Jenny?
Jenny:Madam?
Laura:Would you kindly shut up?!
Jenny: No, madam! Really, it's not my fault if Cadwell has spent two days without seeing you. How badly infatuated you are with that little villain!
Laura:Jenny!
Jenny:Madam?
Laura:Once more, would you kindly shut up?
Jenny:No, madam. You've spoken to me and I am responding, and I will speak.
Laura: Well! Jenny, I forbid you to shut up. I don't know what way to prevent you from speaking.
Jenny: You know the doctor told me yesterday, in front of you, that I have a plethora of words so excessive, that if I don't say something— You see, madam, silence is mortal to me.
Laura: (with exasperation)Oh—speak, Jenny!
Jenny: Ah, I feel better already. Tell me, madam, at the time you used to bore my head with exaggerating the happy state of widowhood, and how nothing in the world would induce you to remarry, had someone told you a man would come to propose to be your husband or lover (one doesn't make much distinction between the two these days) a restless man, always bizarre, always content with himself, never content with others—what would you have said?
Laura:They would have violently offended me.
Jenny: Oh, not offended. If that was so you would feel the outrage and the shame you receive.
Laura:Me?
Jenny: You, madam. Don't you love Cadwell? It is his portrait I have just drawn.
Laura:How you paint him, Jenny!
Jenny: As he is, madam, and as he ought to appear to you. While he wanted to please you and be loved by you, Cadwell was the finest man in the world. But as soon as he saw you would be faithful and loving, has he shown the least regard for you? What haven't you done for him? Think, madam, that you owe yourself something. You will pardon me for the liberty I am about to take. What would you think of an amiable young man, without wealth, lodging with you in the name of your uncle and who has never been in a condition to make expenditures but for your love of him. I wish that this plan to marry him can justify your conduct, but in delaying you permit people to think, to talk. And slowly but surely you're getting a reputation that doesn't do you much honor. I believe, I'd even swear that your passion hasn't gone beyond looks and words. But Laura, is everyone obliged to believe as I do? The world is not good. Passion has often led others farther than you have gone. Think of your reputation, and your peace of mind.
(Laura rises and walks off)
But madam where are you going?
Laura: I don't know. Is Cadwell awake yet? Go to him—question him—his actions, his remarks, and report to me his every word.
Jenny: Useless effort. I will always be misunderstood if I don't take constant pains. She's loyal and amorous—
(Exit Laura)
(Ender Bendish, from Cadwell's apartment)
Jenny:Ah, there you are. What are you looking for?
Bendish: (amiably) For a crazy lady, and I've found you. Now, I'm not looking any more as you see.
Jenny:And aren't you a nasty impertinent fellow! Can I see your master?
Bendish: No, it isn't wake up time for him yet. After having wasted all his time in an armchair at his toilet, he still has half an hour to sleep, my word.
Cadwell: (calling from his room)Hey, hey, Bendish!
Bendish:Sir.
Jenny:I will return in a moment.
Bendish: You don't like nudity, I can see that. Wait, help me, I beg you to carry the toilet here.
Jenny:Why?
Bendish:He says it reeks in his chamber.
Jenny:I'm afraid it reeks in his hair more than in his room.
(Bendish and Jenny take a toilet which is at the entrance to Cadwell's chamber and place it in a corner of the stage)
Cadwell: (calling again from his room)Come on then, hey!
Bendish:Coming! Yells like a devil. Don't people say he has a lot of business.
(Exit Jenny to Laura's apartment)
(Cadwell enters)
Cadwell:Will you ever come?
Bendish:I'm here.
Cadwell:What time is it?
Bendish:Doesn't matter.
Cadwell:Scoundrel! Hasn't anyone come to ask for me?
Bendish:Arabella's valet is waiting for you to wake up.
Cadwell:Selina hasn't sent around?
Bendish:I protect you from gossip. (drawing a letter and a watch from hisjacket and presenting them to Cadwell) Here's a letter and a watchSelina sent you. Her lackey is going to come for a reply.
Cadwell:Just put them there.
Bendish:Aren't you going to read her letter?
Cadwell:No. I know everything that will be in it.
Bendish: (hearing a noise)Someone's knocking on the door. Shall I open it?
Cadwell:See who it is!
(Bendish goes to open)
Ah, it's from Arabella.
(Enter Arabella's Lackey)
Lackey: (giving a clasp to Cadwell)Yes, sir. Here is what madam sends you. Will you send a reply?
Cadwell:A reply? No.
Lackey:Will you come to her, sir?
Cadwell:No.
Lackey:Tomorrow perhaps, sir?
Cadwell: Er—one of these days, certainly. (to Bendish) Hey, Bendish—haven't you got a watch? (Bendish gives Cadwell the watch which Cadwell in turn presents to the lackey) Take this to your mistress. (to Bendish) Well now—finish dressing me.
(The Lackey bows and exits)
Bendish:And what will Selina say when she doesn't see her watch anymore?
Cadwell:Didn't I tell you to dress me?
Bendish:Eh! You don't intend to go out?
Cadwell:I don't know what I will do. I'd like to spend the day here. No, Ihave to go out. (Thinking he hears a noise) Someone's knocking.Another lackey, I'll bet.
Bendish: No, sir, nobody's knocking.— Admit that it's a tiresome distinction to be a pretty fellow and not to be able to take a step without being run after by half the world. These are the perils one faces when one is made like you.
Cadwell: There are times when I wish not to be as I am—when I'd give anything in the world to be like you.
Bendish:I believe it.
Cadwell:Perhaps you have some secret to make me disliked?
Bendish: I do, sir. And it's very easy. You have only to continue to live the way you live and I guarantee you the hate and scorn of all mankind. (hearing knocking) They're knocking.
Cadwell:Open.
Bendish: (after having opened the door)It's from Selina.
(Enter Selina's Lackey)
Lackey:Sir, I've brought a letter and a watch.
Cadwell:I know what it is. Here give her this. (giving the Lackey the clasp)
(Exit Lackey)
Bendish:He pipes with the flute and tunes with the drum.
Cadwell:You seem quite astonished?
Bendish: Me? No. I find this the best thing in the world. To love her today and betray her tomorrow. To take from one to give to the other. False confidences, slander, letters, sacrifices, flatteries, scandal—mere nothings! I am ready for everything. We won't be rich in the end but we'll have a good laugh, right sir?
Cadwell:Ah, I'm delighted to see you reasonable.
Bendish: Oh, sir, when a devil and a hermit live together, either the devil becomes a hermit or the hermit becomes a devil, I am absolutely convinced. Well, let's see who the unfortunate lady will be whose reputation you will ruin by some new perfidy? I can clearly see that your feelings are reserved for the Marquise.
Cadwell:Which one?
Bendish:Why the one you long ago swore to be faithful to.
Cadwell:No. I no longer love her.
Bendish: Your flames are not more vehement for this good lady to whom I carried your portrait that same day?
Cadwell:Ah, fie! I cannot suffer her. She paints!
Bendish:And the other one—her best friend?
Cadwell:She has no wit.
Bendish:And the lawyer's widow?
Cadwell:She isn't rich.
Bendish:And her sister?
Cadwell:She cannot stand the odor of tobacco.
Bendish: The odor of tobacco? My God! Of all these ladies there isn't one over whom you haven't troubled my head. "Ah, Bendish, tell me she's totally charming. I will love her all my life. I will suffer a thousand deaths rather than even think of changing—" I hear you, I look at her, I examine her, I conclude you are right. The next day, I am a fool. She lacks a delicate heart. Her manners are rude; she loves you too much; she is jealous, or too indifferent; she cannot stand the odor of tobacco. You always find some fault in them to justify YOUR inconstancy.
Cadwell:What do you care?
Bendish: Huh? What do I care? You don't consider the false oaths I've taken time and again.
Cadwell:Why do you do that?
Bendish:To reestablish your tottering reputation.
Cadwell:Who placed it in your care?
Bendish:Oh! Oh! This isn't bad. Who made it my duty, you say?
Cadwell:Yes?
Bendish:My honor?
Cadwell:The honor of Bendish?
Bendish: Assuredly. You wouldn't have me confirm your reputation as the most rascally, the most vain, the most faithless, the least amorous man in the world would you?
Cadwell:It wouldn't please me at all.
Bendish: Eh! What would you have me reply to such accusations? For you're seeing only the rough draft of the portrait they paint of you these days. What would you have me say?
Cadwell:Nothing. Be quiet—and begin now.
Bendish: Oh, sir, he who says nothing admits and I do not want anyone in the world to believe that I know your character, and besides, I plan to improve my business and yours, for you see everyone thinks of his own self interest. I need only be silent in response to the hundred questions put to me. "My poor Bendish," said one. "Here's a finger ring. I beg you tell me what your master's up to. What time does he come in? What's he like when he doesn't see me? Does he think of me? Does he speak to you of me? Is he restless, happy, sad, gay, melancholy, at ease, taciturn, giddy, chagrined, joking, wise, crazy?" What the devil do I know—a hundred thousand other things of a like nature.
Cadwell:Well—what do you reply to all this?
Bendish:According to the ring.
Cadwell: Ah! I know quite well that with you my honor and yours march quite separately—according to your interest.— Let's change the subject. Do you know what?
Bendish:What?
Cadwell:I believe I'm in love.
Bendish:What! In love? Love in good faith?
Cadwell:Yes, I tell you, in love.
Bendish:But are you talking seriously?
Cadwell:Must I give myself to the Devil for you to believe me?
Bendish:And Laura?
Cadwell:Oh! Laura, Laura! She's not aware of it.
Bendish:Better for you. But tell me—how long will it last?
Cadwell:You ask me too much. As if one could respond to that?
Bendish:Do I know her?
Cadwell:You know her.
Bendish: You must have loved her for only a short time—for I've never heard you speak of her.
Cadwell:Uh—a little while.
Bendish: Is she pretty? Good! Plague on the fool for asking it. You will tell me shortly. Where does she reside? Far from here?
Cadwell:No.
Bendish: Better still. For in the beginning of these things it's devilishly tiresome to carry three letters back and forth day in day out.
Cadwell:No trouble to do it. You can do it without going out.
Bendish:How's that?
Cadwell:She resides here.
Bendish:Is it Olivia?
Cadwell:You have said it.
Bendish:Ah, sir—!
Cadwell: (interrupting him)What's wrong with you?
Bendish:Have you considered carefully what you are doing?
Cadwell:Very carefully.
Bendish: Olivia is a friend of Laura. In her sight. You cannot be thinking or you intend to lose everything. Eh, sir, where is the probity, the honor. Think, I tell you—
Cadwell: (interrupting him)I love moralizing. It puts me to sleep.
Bendish: (seeing Jenny appear)Hold, sir. Here's Jenny. Instruct her in all these plans.
(Enter Jenny)
Cadwell:Eh, good day, Jenny. What do you want?
Jenny:To bid you good day, sir. I have to speak to you for madam.
Cadwell: (to Bendish)My jerkin. (Cadwell dresses throughout this scene without listening toJenny)
Jenny: If I hadn't believed myself able to do you and madam a service, sir, I wouldn't undertake to speak to you. I flatter myself you will find what I have to say agreeable. You know I am in your interests. It pains me to see that you don't wish to be happy. What wouldn't I give to see you make serious reflections on your humor. As for me, I believe you too honest a man not to reproach yourself sometimes for your conduct towards Laura.
Cadwell:My watch.
Jenny: Dare one tell you that dividing your love between twenty coquettes makes you neither more attractive nor more happy. Your feelings should be faithful to the most loveable lady in the kingdom. Believe me, sir, and you will be believing an affectionate girl totally in your interests: Be happy while you can. There will come a time when the desire to be happy will only meet with despair. You will not always be attractive, and you won't always find a Laura to love you.
Cadwell:My sword.
Jenny: Fifty thousand francs and Laura! In these days a pretty sum. It ought to be very tempting to you—and I don't know anybody else who wouldn't be tempted by all that.
Cadwell:My purse.
Jenny: Truly sir, it's useless for you to say or do something, to put to use the merit you have, and you have great merit if one believes the consensus—I intend to become the greatest lady in Paris if I can get you to fifty thousand francs and Laura.
Cadwell:My wig.
Jenny: What I am saying to you must be very unpleasant for you not to reply one word to me.
Cadwell:How do I look, Jenny?
Jenny:Oh! Not very good at all. You enrage me.
Cadwell: My gloves, my hat. (to Jenny) Goodbye, Jenny. (to Bendish as he leaves) Hey, Bendish.
Bendish:Sir?
Cadwell: (whispering in Bendish's ear)Listen.
(Exit Cadwell)
Jenny: (aside) On my oath, there's a villainous man. (to Bendish) And you, you imagine that I am used to your coldness and lack of love?
Bendish:I love moralists—they put me to sleep.
Jenny:Go, go, traitor, I will teach you.
Bendish: (interrupting her)You don't know what you are saying.
Jenny:What, a girl like me, a man like you. Rascal. Infamous!
Bendish: Leave, leave, these pretty names, these illustrious names, to the unworthy master I serve—give me softer ones, more agreeable.
Jenny:Give you sweet names!
Bendish:Ah, pardon, child. I have my head full of Cadwell's follies.
Jenny: (interrupting him)And your own?
Bendish:That without thinking what I do—
Jenny (interrupting him)Very obliging way of justifying yourself. I will hold you to account.
Bendish: I will reply with the same words he said to me when I tried to censure his conduct.
Jenny: I believe it. You know that I have my complaints about you and that I find you very bad—
Bendish:How do I look, Jenny?
Jenny: Ah, traitor! You copy Cadwell. But don't think that I am crazy enough to copy Laura.
Bendish:Goodbye, child. I bid you good day.
Jenny:Plague on the fool!
Lackey:I'm going to find out if one can see, madam.
Arabella:Eh! My child—tell me a bit, I beg you, Cadwell—is he here?
Lackey:I don't know. I don't believe so. Shall I ring, madam?
Arabella: Yes, ring. (Lackey pulls a bell cord) (Aside) Where can Cadwell be? His conduct doesn't satisfy me any more. He has the gift of tasting everything he finds agreeable the very moment he finds it. And the lack of promptness he shows to see me ruins the pleasure I got from the watch he sent me this morning.
(Enter Jenny)
Jenny: (to Lackey)Well! Who the devil made you ring so loud?
Lackey: (exiting)One asks for madam.
Arabella: (to Jenny)What's Laura doing?
Jenny: She hasn't slept for the whole night. She's just been drowsing for a whole hour. If you wish I will go tell her—
Arabella: (interrupting)No, Jenny, I will wait till she wakes.
Jenny:Or till Cadwell returns?
Arabella:Why Cadwell?
Jenny:To keep you company while waiting for Laura.
Arabella:I've nothing to do with Cadwell.
Jenny: And now, madam, pardon me for speaking so freely, there's a rumor about that you don't hate him—
Arabella:Me?
Jenny:All the world says that he loves you, at least.
Arabella: All the world has lied, Jenny. It is true that certain understandings between people do result in passions. I hold myself no more guilty of loving him than of having inspired love. Really, when you hear such foolishness— But who can take pleasure in spreading rumors like that? Cadwell himself hasn't any part in it?
Jenny: Why, madam,—what stops you? What makes you angry today is the glory of most women. And the pleasure of being told they are loved leads some to being very loving.
Arabella: I don't know those people, Jenny, and Cadwell would be of all men the one about whom I would least have it said.
Jenny:They say he's the Don Juan of London.
Arabella:Not mine.
Jenny:Still he has wit.
Arabella:I find him somewhat silly—and the most annoying personality.
Jenny: (interrupting her)He's well built.
Arabella:What difference? I cannot stand him.
Jenny:As for writing, nobody writes better.
Arabella: What do you say? It's true that I haven't seen his letters, but then as to his manners, I believe he's incapable of doing anything good.
Jenny:Ah—I know of so many difficulties that cannot be arranged.
Arabella:Eh! Who Jenny?
Jenny:What interest do you have in it?
Arabella:I have some reasons for wishing to know it.
Jenny:I have some, perhaps, for not telling you.
Arabella:I beg you.
Jenny:What do you care?
Arabella: I would like to know who the unfortunate woman is who clings to him so mal apropos.
(Enter Lackey)
Lackey:Selina asks to see you, madam.
Jenny: (to Arabella) Hold—here exactly is one of the unfortunate women. (going to Laura's room)
(Exit Lackey and exit Jenny) (Enter Selina)
Selina:You here all alone, madam?
Arabella:As you see, madam.
Selina:Where is Laura, madam?
Arabella:I am waiting for her to wake up, madam.
Selina:I must do the same, while I wait for my carriage to be sent over.
Arabella:I have mine below—of which you may freely dispose.
Selina:Could I do better than to be with you, madam?
Arabella:I know people you would prefer easily enough.
Selina:There's at least something I could tell you.
Arabella: It's a little thing when one is instructed to the contrary. (Noticing the clasp on Selina) But what do I see?
Selina:What do you see, madam?
Arabella:I admire your pin. The diamonds are very nice. They're well set.
Selina:You find it beautiful, madam? I am delighted that it is to your taste.
Arabella:You've had it for some time, madam?
Selina:A very long time, madam, but I rarely wear it.
Arabella: (aside) Am I deceived? (looking at the pin) With your permission, madam. No, madam, it is not so long as you say.
Selina:I tell you truly, madam.
Arabella:I know what I say, madam.
Selina:And I, madam, know when your questions begin to tire me.
Arabella:But please, tell me how you got it.
Selina:I don't have to give you an account of it.
Arabella:Where did you buy it?
Selina:Let's end this if you please—
Arabella:It must have cost you a lot.
Selina: (noticing on Arabella the watch she sent to Cadwell)It cost me, madam, it cost me—more than you paid for your watch.
Arabella: What balderdash are you giving me, madam? What has my watch got to do with the pin I spoke of?
Selina: Madam, let's not enter further into an aggravating explanation. In these affairs the best way is to let things pass in silence. They are most unfortunate when discovered. In this adventure, at least, if we lose our lover, we at least get our jewelry back. I am going to return your pin—or I will keep it if you want to keep my watch.
Arabella: No, madam, I don't wish to keep anything that would give me the least reminder of the greatest villain in the world.
Selina: (giving the pin)Here, madam, is your pin.
Arabella: (giving the watch)And here's your watch.
(Enter Jenny)
Jenny:What swap are you making? I want to see it.
Selina: It's nothing, Jenny. (to Arabella) Goodbye, madam, I am going to take your carriage.
Arabella:Don't keep it.
Selina:I am not going far.
Jenny:Madam is coming here.
Selina:I just remembered something pressing.
(Exit Selina)
Arabella:Your mistress is coming you say?
Jenny:I hear her.
Arabella:I intend to avenge myself on the perfidy of Cadwell right away.
(Exit Jenny) (Enter Laura)
Laura:Madam, I am in despair for having made you wait so long.
Arabella:I've come to tell you something which will surprise you the most.
Laura:Don't delay, madam, for I'm already impatient about—
Arabella: (interrupting her)No, madam, if you please this will be in front of Cadwell.
Laura:What role does he have to play in what you have to tell me?
Arabella: I intend to reveal to you what is in the heart of a man you esteem a little too much.
Laura: (pointing to the door to Cadwell's apartment)Madam, there's the door to his apartment. (calling) Jenny, Jenny.
(Enter Jenny)
Jenny:Madam?
Laura:Tell Cadwell that madam (pointing to Arabella) wishes to speak to him.
Jenny:Cadwell. He left, more than an hour ago, madam.
Laura: Fine! (Jenny exits) (to Arabella) I am not to know then, madam, what it is that is so important for me to learn?
Arabella: Abuse me. No, madam, I repeat to you, Cadwell doesn't deserve any consideration from a person like you.
Laura: You appear to me to be sufficiently well instructed, madam, and the manner in which you speak, will begin to displease me if you continue to hide from me the reason—
Arabella: Well, madam, learn to your shame and mine that Cadwell is deceiving us both; that he is the most villainous of men, and that having been disabused of his lies myself, I believe I ought to bring you out of your error.
Laura: You oblige me much, madam, although a trifle late. You will permit me to say without getting angry that you would easily console me in my error if you were still in yours.
Arabella: Cadwell easily made me believe all that he wished, madam. There are explanations between us, him, you and me that—
Laura: (interrupting her) Ah, madam, such explanations between three people are usually irritating. Avoid them, and give me without them all the proofs that you can of his infidelity.
Arabella:You are going to see all of Cadwell, madam.
Laura: (aside)Ah—inconsistent man—
(Enter Bendish)
Bendish: (aside, staying at a distance)They're talking about my master.
Arabella:I will render you certain.
Laura: (aside)Faithless!
Bendish:That's him.
Arabella: (pulling out a letter from her purse and presenting it toLaura)Here, madam. Read!
Laura: (aside)Traitor! Infidel!
Bendish:Oh, surely that's him. I recognize the epithets. Let's hear.
Arabella:This is the only letter of the thirty or so he wrote me that I havekept. One of my women imprudently took the others from my drawer.Happily I had this one about my person. It will suffice.
Bendish:I believe we'll have to move a little sooner than we thought.
(Laura takes the letter and reads it to herself)
Arabella: (after Laura has finished the letter)Well? What do you say to that, madam?
Laura:Alas, madam, what can I say? I can say nothing.
Arabella:You take this affair with plenty of moderation.
Laura:Rumor is helpful.
Bendish: (aside)Please God we may be rid of that rumor.
Arabella:Adieu, madam.
Laura:Madam, I bid you good day.
Arabella:Aren't you going to give me back my letter?
Laura:Please leave it here with me.
Arabella:These sorts of things are not good in the hands of interested parties.
Laura:It won't leave my hands.
Arabella: Goodbye then, madam. (Seeing Laura is going to escort her out and preventing it) Madam, where are you going?
Laura:Madam, I leave you. It's just as well, I am in no condition.
Arabella: (interrupting her)Go back in then.
(Exit Arabella)
Bendish: (aside) I can see it plainly. Our good fortune is going to cause us to flee to the country. Just heaven!
Laura: (perceiving Bendish)Ah, Bendish, where is your master?
Bendish:I believe he went to do something.
Laura: Go tell him to come to me as soon as possible. As soon as possible, do you understand? Tell him that I have something to say to him of the utmost importance, that he come at once. Bring him with you. Do you understand clearly?
Bendish:Yes, madam, I understand too well—and I haven't understood anything.
Laura: Go then, quickly. Stay! I am going to write a word. That will hurry him more. I will do it in an instant.
(Exit Laura)
Bendish: Ah, this blow will leave us lost without resources. May the plague choke coquettes, coquettery and those who invented it. We are taken in a snare.
(Enter Cadwell)
Bendish:Ah, sir.
Cadwell:What's the matter with him?
Bendish:You are lost.
Cadwell:Really?
Bendish: Sir, Arabella, that cursed Arabella with arguments I don't understand —(hesitating to continue)
Cadwell:Well?
Bendish:She has given the letter you wrote her to Laura.
Cadwell:Well?
Bendish:Well? What more do you want? Don't you understand what followed?
Cadwell:Well?
Bendish:You're dreaming, I swear, with your "Well?"
Cadwell:Well?
Bendish: Well! Well! Well! Oh! And bad for you by all the devils in hell. Say something. At once.
Cadwell:Wait here. I am going—
Bendish: (interrupting him)She told me to look for you—
Cadwell:Never mind, I'm going—I wish Arabella was dead.
Bendish:Ha—how ugly she is now, right sir?
Cadwell:We must—
Bendish: (interrupting him)Here's Laura.
(Enter Laura)
Laura: (to Bendish without seeing Cadwell) Wait, Bendish, carry this to Cadwell. (seeing Cadwell) Ah, you here, sir. I am delighted to find you so apropos.
Cadwell:Eh, madam! Did you think I was out again?
Laura:I though you were here—but henceforth—
Cadwell:Today is not the day for you to make resolutions.
Laura: Heaven grant I had never seen it. Monster whom I looked on with horror.
Cadwell:I can tell from these epithets those who have been inspiring you.
Laura:And you can see from the effects the reward which is your due.
Cadwell: I know that I should thank you for the indifference you have shown me for some time.
Laura: Don't arrogate to yourself the scorn I intend to bear you for the rest of my life.
Cadwell:You taught me yesterday that I must learn to expect it.
Laura: Infidel! I have never passed a day without giving you some proof of my affection.
Cadwell: Real affections, madam, that respond so ill to the urgings of my letter without any explanation. But let's not speak of that.
Laura:What letter, perfidious one. What do you mean to say?
Cadwell:Oh let's stop talking. Spare me such names.
Laura: No, no. I mean for you to explain yourself. I can justify myself very easily and I will have some pleasure in doing so after the blackest, most cowardly— Continue once more. What letter do you wish to speak to me of?
Cadwell: Oh, madam, what's the use of it? The letter Bendish gave you yesterday.
Laura:To me?
Cadwell:To you, madam.
Laura:I received a letter.
Cadwell:Uh, you yourself, madam.
Laura:Which Bendish brought?
Cadwell:He himself.
Laura:That's not true.
Cadwell:Bendish?
Bendish:Sir?
Cadwell:Didn't I write a letter yesterday?
Bendish:Yes, sir.
Cadwell:Didn't I tell you to take it to London?
Bendish:That's true.
Cadwell:To whom did you take it?
Bendish:To whom?
Cadwell:Yes, idiot! To whom? Wasn't it madam?
Bendish:Yes, sir.
Cadwell:Didn't you come express?
Bendish:I remain in agreement.
Cadwell:Didn't you enter this lodging to give it to her?
Bendish:That's certain.
Cadwell:Well-what did you do with it, you ass. Answer.
Bendish:Sir.
Cadwell: (interrupting him)You lost it, right?
Bendish:Sir, when I came to madam's room to put it in her hands— (hesitating)
Cadwell:Well?
Bendish:I couldn't find it.
Cadwell: Ah, fool! (to Laura) Madam, I beg your pardon. (to Bendish, pretending to menace him) I don't know what prevents me— (to Laura) I am in despair to have accused you so unjustly as I have done. (to Bendish) Find the letter, rogue! Was someone in the room?
Bendish:There were a lot of people, sir.
Cadwell: My letter will be lost! This is awful! In it I begged you to spend some time in the country with me and my aunt. And whoever has found it has used it to shred our relationship.— But please, madam, while I am unable to disguise the cause of my chagrin—explain to me what has aroused you so seriously against me.
Laura: Oh, your dodge is very adroit, I admit. And I might be silly enough to believe you if your letter could agree with what you tell me. I have the letter. It is in my hands. I won't tell you how I got it. But let's see if you can explain away all the scorn it expresses for me.
Cadwell:Scorn for you?
Laura: Yes, cruel man—and in all it's spite. (pulls out the letter) Listen. "I am in the country for the last two days and without Laura. The complaisance that I am obliged to show a sick aunt makes me stay in a strange solitude. Couldn't you try to render my condition supportable. If you do not take it on yourself, Laura and the whole world together cannot help me. I will never love and never adore anyone but you in my life. Adieu."
Bendish: We shall see that someone counterfeited his signature. What will he say?
Cadwell: Ah, I see now that no one poisoned you. I beg you, madam, give me the letter. (Laura hands it to him puzzled and he begins to read) "I am in the country for the last two days and I am without Laura! The complaisance that I am obliged to show a sick aunt makes me stay in a strange solitude. Couldn't you try to render my condition supportable? IF YOU DO NOT TAKE IT ON YOURSELF, LAURA—the whole world together cannot help me. I will never love and never adore anyone but you in my life. Adieu." (after having read the letter aloud) This letter is full of scorn for you?
Laura:Oh, Cadwell, Cadwell, you have many enemies or I am very weak.
Cadwell: Still something remains hidden. Madam, I beg you to explain. Let me know who I ought to challenge or distrust.
Laura: No, Cadwell. Be content that I give no credence to the treason that I suspected of you.
Cadwell: Madam, I am the happiest man I the world today—but innocence is always recognized. Yet I fear that mine in the end will succumb to some new imposture.
Laura: Ah, Cadwell, can your interests be in better hands than mine? I am only too ingenious in finding reasons to excuse you and my suspicions only begin when I cannot find you innocent.
Cadwell: Yet, madam, what would have happened today, had I not by a miracle understood and brought the truth to your eyes? I would have lost forever a heart that my fidelity ought to have preserved for me eternally. Can I be for a moment without mortal uncertainty in the future? Things pass through my head, each one more bizarre than the rest. I feel I'd rather not see you ever again in my life than to be so cruelly forsaken even once. Me—faithless to my dear Laura! Madam, if you don't assure me against all that can tempt you against me; if you don't promise to shut the mouths of those who slander me before you—you will see me die of despair.
Laura:You don't love anyone but me, Cadwell?
Cadwell:I hate all that is not you.
Laura:Ah, Cadwell! Don't deceive me!
Cadwell:Why would I do that, madam?
Laura: How do I know? To pile conquest on conquest—to satisfy a ridiculous vanity that all men pride themselves on these days. Such easy things don't do you honor, Cadwell.
Cadwell:Ah, madam, I prefer to die.
Laura:What are you doing today?
Cadwell:Madam, my brother has asked me to visit him.
Laura:Are you going?
Cadwell:Soon, madam.
Laura:When will I see you again?
Cadwell:The very soonest I can.
Laura:Adieu, Cadwell. Think of me.
Cadwell:I am occupied by nothing but you.
(Exit Laura)
Bendish:Well, sir, I'm learning as you see.
Cadwell:You did wonders.
Bendish: Frankly sir, if you hadn't been seconded our ship would have come aground. Truly, the trouble that you had in this adventure—I'm not sorry it happened for I don't doubt that after such a hot alarm you'll take care not to make another such mistake.
Cadwell: (looking at his watch) What time is it? What the devil! Four o'clock. Sophia is waiting for me on the river.
Bendish:Sir!
Cadwell:Shut up!
Bendish: (aside)Ah—what a man! (aloud) Shall I go with you?
Cadwell: (taking a few steps towards leaving) No. (Returning) I forgot. (pulling a letter from his pocket and giving it to Bendish) Take this letter to the Duchess of Devonshire.
Bendish:The Duchess of Devonshire. It's fifteen months since you last saw her.
Cadwell:Go, I tell you.
Bendish: (aside)What a devilish imagination. Ah, she sold land eight days ago. (aloud)I'm going. But where will I find you?
Cadwell: At Charlotte's where I must be precisely at five o'clock, don't you know? Don't wait, for I won't be long.
(Exit Cadwell)
Bendish: Go, go, we are ordered. And by God all is not going to end as it should. Cursed be the first little she-monkey that gave him his reputation. Really, what's so marvelous about him? Don't I have eyes, a nose, a body like him? It's chance that does everything? Just make a little stir and you will succeed in all things. The Duchess is amorous of so and so. She passes for a connoisseur. All the gallant ladies want to know if she's right. All try to please her. One by a veritable infatuation, another by jealousy, another by avenging a lover who had left her, to reawaken the ardors of a languishing lover—all to follow the fashion. For it's fashion in this as in all else. But let's go wait on her. For if I only need to deceive six persons for the remainder of the day, I'll be off quite cheaply.
Worthy: Sister, I've seen Victor as you advised me. I was careful to tell him of Laura's attachment to Cadwell. Doubtless he's informed of what's happening and I didn't think it would be honest for me to further agitate a man who seemed to be in despair. Besides, this is a bad way to earn the heart of a lady we esteem. But, sister, I believe chance has done for us all that we could hope. In short, Arabella, whom I just met, assured me that she has disabused Laura—that she had just put in her hands a letter from Cadwell—
Olivia:A letter written by Cadwell to Arabella?
Worthy:Yes, I tell you.
Jenny: Ah, madam, how relieved I am! We are going to see the master and the valet greatly abashed. This puppy Cadwell with his impertinent airs, and this rogue of a Bendish, who's starting to be like him. But listen, don't be fooled. Do what is necessary to finish things. If you give them time to repair the damage—
Olivia:Ah, I don't know what to believe. Laura has a very cowardly heart—
Jenny: My God, Laura loves him! Laura is credulous and Cadwell is a very loveable villain. You must dare all. Take her in a fit of passion or you will obtain nothing. As for me, I have taken the trouble to strengthen what you've told her, but I haven't noticed any change in the way she looks.
Worthy:She's choking back her resentment. I have it from Arabella.
Olivia: Go then, brother, go find her. Test her soul. Take advantage of such a favorable opportunity. And be sure something will happen. We are laying many traps for Cadwell. In the end they will enable us to open Laura's eyes.
Worthy: Ah, sister, it's time that you do that, for truly, I am dying. This unjust prejudice for Cadwell is killing me. I really believe I would suffer less if he wasn't deceiving her.
Jenny: What amuses you? You tell us here the finest things in the world. When you are with her you cannot open your mouth. If you saw Cadwell with Laura—he never stops talking even if he repeats the same thing to her a hundred times.
Worthy:He's happy, Jenny.
Jenny:Go. Become him if you can.
(Exit Worthy)
Olivia: But Jenny, the more I think of what my brother just said, the less likely I think it.
Jenny:I don't understand it any better than you. Cadwell was very gay whenhe left. Laura wasn't sad. There's a misunderstanding somewhere orCadwell has played a tick of his specialty.
Olivia:What could he have said against such strong proof?
Jenny: My word, I don't know. What should I say to you? He opens his big eyes, he sighs, he threatens, he weeps, he falls to his knees, he walks about with long strides, breaks a chair, tears a ruffle, bites his nails, tears his hair, and in the end, he's right.
Olivia:Nice manners to justify oneself!
Jenny: If I hadn't seen him play the same role with her a thousand times, I wouldn't know what to say. He made me cry in the beginning, but now I am cured.— But you, madam, who speak as if you wish to help your brother, who can do it better than you? For I'm not blind. I've noticed for a long time that Cadwell watches you, and because I see that you respond well enough to all his tricks, I believe that you are not lacking in what it takes to prevail on his passion and undeceive Laura.
Olivia: You have good eyes, Jenny. Well, since you have observed it, I am going to make you my confidant. It's something I've thought of for some time, but it's the last remedy I wish to employ because I find it the most shameful.
Jenny:Bah, madam, it is not shameful to punish a rascal.
Olivia:Besides, I'm afraid he will distrust me.
Jenny:Indeed! Him! He wouldn't distrust you if you told him you hated him.He is so sure of his own worth that he thinks people are forced tolove him just by looking at him.—I hear someone. Perhaps it's him.He'll fall in any trap you set for him.
Olivia:He's more clever than you can imagine.
Jenny: If he didn't do foolish things he wouldn't need all his trickery. It's for you to embroil him so well that nothing he can do will be enough to get him out of it.
Olivia:Let me do it.
(Exit Jenny) (Then enter Cadwell)
Cadwell: (with pretended embarrassment)I don't know what I ought to do, madam.
Olivia:You must read your own thoughts and take counsel.
Cadwell: Ought I to stay, madam, and expose myself to the greatest peril I have run in my life?
Olivia: This enigma is very difficult to solve. But I do not see what peril you run in remaining here.
Cadwell: Ah, madam, how badly my eyes serve me! That my sighs are so badly explained. What? All my actions have not made themselves understood?
Olivia: I have only noticed in you that you are prodigiously at ease with the whole world.
Cadwell: Ah, madam! If I haven't kept honest appearances for the others, much different are the ones I've had for you. You owe me a complete account of them. I have done it only to better hide my love.
Olivia:Ah, Cadwell, are you thinking carefully of what you are saying to me?
Cadwell:Yes, madam, I have thought of it. I know all that I risk. I know thatI lose Laura forever if you abuse the sincere declaration I am makingto you. But I know that I cannot live and hide my feelings for you.
Olivia:I've seen too much of you to believe you are sincere.
Cadwell: Eh! What do my feelings say to you, madam, who cannot be convinced by the strongest passion that ever was experienced?
Olivia:Don't you swear that all the time to Laura?
Cadwell:Judge by the continual reproaches I receive from her.
Olivia:But you deceive her then?
Cadwell: Why, madam, don't you know how things are done? Don't you know that an uncle ordered me to attach myself to her, and that her great wealth put this project in his head. I was not then engaged elsewhere. I consented to all he wished. But I saw you, madam, and love made me neglect a very considerable fortune.
Olivia: Ah, Cadwell. I don't know if all you tell me is true. But I am sure I wish at least—
Cadwell: (interrupting her and falling on his knees) Ah, madam! Permit me, I beg you, to throw myself at your feet. I conjure you in the name of the most lively tenderness of a passion which will never end to put me to the strongest test you can invent. Do you want Laura's letters? I abandon them to you. Do you want me never to see her again? I consent. Do you want me to smash her portrait before your eyes? I will do it. There's nothing I won't sacrifice. Command it!
Olivia:I wish that you had never spoken.
Cadwell:Had I offered you my first vows! I would still be faithful.
Olivia:But Cadwell, what are you asking from me?