The Double Widowing | Page 3

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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 so sure of being a widow that she put on mourning yesterday, sir.
Desmond What are you telling me?
Lucy I'm telling you business that concerns both of us. For the thirty gold crowns you promised me has the same appeal to me that Arabella has for you. Listen to me, then--. To help us, you must hide from our widow the love you have for Arabella, for if she suspects you love her niece--
Desmond I know all that. I've been through it just now with the Countess.
Lucy Sir, pardon my