The Double Widowing | Page 9

wealth?

Desmond Only a small part of it. Otherwise, you jeopardize--
Widow You don't know how much better it would be if I keep it. It
would be better for you.
Desmond For me?
Widow For, in the future--you understand, sir. I could really, for you--
Right, Lucy--I can't explain any more, sir. You understand, don't you--
Desmond I--
Widow Because propriety prevents me from saying to you--
Lucy You've told him that already.
Widow I will say only, that having reflected on what the Countess
didn't say, I fear that the husband she intends for Arabella is none other
than yourself.
Desmond Me, Madame?
Lucy The gentleman would be wiser to go to the source of the wealth.
Widow I believe it, but from the fear that the Countess will give you, in
spite of yourself, to Arabella, I have resolved not to give my money
until the marriage contract is signed--and a husband other than yourself
is the lucky man. And, I have a thousand other good reasons to
communicate to you about this. But, I can't say a word now. Follow me,
Lucy.
(Exit Widow.)
Desmond Lucy.
Lucy Sir, I have to go.
(Exit Lucy.)
Desmond What to do now?
(Enter Arabella.)
Arabella Tell me quickly--how did your conversation go with my aunt?
Desmond I think I've convinced her that she should let me arbitrate
between her and the Countess.
Arabella That's funny.
Desmond She's disposed to agree to whatever I suggest, and--in a
word--she's working for our marriage, without even knowing it.
Arabella Without knowing it. That makes me delighted.
Desmond Do you understand what our happiness is?
Arabella You will judge against her interest. Nothing could be funnier.
It charms me totally.
Desmond You are pleased by the joke. The humor of it is what touches

you. Your first sensation ought to be a passionate feeling of happiness.
Arabella Happiness touches me, too.
Desmond Too, too. You have a delightful choice of words--very
revealing.
Arabella Oh, don't quibble with me. I am going to have a good laugh
with the Countess.
Desmond What! Leave me without witnessing--
Arabella I will witness you wonderfully.
(Enter Lucy.)
Arabella Ah, Lucy, everything is going wonderfully. You see me in joy.
But, in recompense, Desmond is angry. I believe he almost wishes that
our marriage should be prevented, and that he will run into some
obstacle.
Lucy Then he can rejoice, for the obstacle has come. Your uncle is
returned, sir.
Desmond My uncle, ah Heaven, I am in despair.
Arabella All our schemes are ruined. Ah, Desmond, why do you love
me so much? It always makes you so unhappy. Really, I feel worse
than you--no hope--I am desolated.
Desmond Desolated, you say?
Arabella Desolated, desperate.
Desmond What? You suffer?
Arabella Oh, how unhappy I am.
Desmond Ah, what a joy for me! You have feelings. I am loved. I don't
want anything else in the world. I want only your heart.
Lucy You won't have that either.
Desmond But Lucy, is it really true that my uncle is back? What, in the
very moment I was convinced we'd be happy forever. Ah Heaven, is
there a misery equal to mine?
(Enter Tuneless.)
Tuneless The steward is back. What a reversal. He took an express
coach and returns just in time to desolate us. His wife's rage is going to
rebound on us--for she already knows.
Lucy For me, I wish them both what they deserve. To the wife, a dead
husband. To the husband, a dead wife. At least their desires will not be
accomplished quickly.-- You will never be married.
Desmond Here's my uncle coming now.

Arabella What shall we say to him?
Lucy What role to play?
Tuneless I don't know at all.
(Enter Bramble.)
Bramble Listen, what's this all about? Vainly do I question everybody.
Each one turns his back on me, without any response. Everyone in
mourning. Nephew, why are you dressed in mourning?
Desmond (bowing and exiting) Sir--
Bramble Another fleeing mute. And you, Arabella, what have you to
tell me?
Arabella (curtsying) Not a thing, sir.
(Exit Arabella.)
Bramble Again--hey, I beg you, Lucy, ease me of my uncertainty. Why
the mourning?
Lucy For a costume party.
(Exit Lucy.)
Bramble And you, Tuneless--won't you explain to me what I already
begin to suspect. If it were the Countess who was dead, then everybody
would be in mourning--right? My dear Tuneless, hide nothing from me.
You are my only confidant--
Tuneless Well, but-- (aside) What the devil am I going to say?
Bramble What ought I to think in seeing all this?
Tuneless In seeing all this black clothing, you ought to think they are
dressed in black.
Bramble Hmm! I doubt--
Tuneless Tell me. What are you worried about? I will tell you if