The Double Widowing | Page 3

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Morlock, [email protected]

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THE DOUBLE WIDOWING BY RIVIERE DUFRESNY
TRANSLATED AND ADAPTED BY FRANK J. MORLOCK C 1986

CHARACTERS, four men, six women: The Countess, an imperious
woman of no particular age Mr. Bramble, her steward Widow,
Bramble's wife Tuneless, the Countess's butler who composes music
Desmond, Mr. Bramble's nephew, a sentimentalist in love with
Arabella Arabella, the Widow's niece, a rationalist in love with
Desmond Maid, the Countess's maid Lucy, the Widow's maid Mr.
MacPherson, a servant of the Countess Mrs. MacPherson, his wife

The scene is set in a room in the Countess's country house. The time is
the early 18th Century.

Lucy I am delighted to see you return, sir. I've been looking for you all
over the place, in the gardens, everywhere.
Desmond Good day, Lucy, good day.
Lucy You've come at just the right time. The Countess, and I, and all
the house have been waiting for you to return with great impatience.
But, quickly--tell me news of your uncle-- Is Mr. Bramble dead or
alive?
Desmond I know nothing of it.
Lucy We are in the same incertitude. Only Mrs. Bramble is certain.
We've told her he's dead for sure--to make her fall into the trap we've
set for her. She thinks she's a widow, and it's on that belief that we
build our little project of your marriage, sir.
Desmond What's that?
Lucy I told you, that to facilitate your marriage with Arabella, the
Countess, who protects you both, has pulled a thousand strings to prove
to my mistress that your uncle is dead. Mrs. Bramble is