The Follies of Love | Page 8

Albert and oblige him to surrender the place quickly or withstand our assault.
CURTAIN

ACT II.
Scene: Same as Act I, later that day.
Albert (alone) A secret confided--said an excellent man who's name and country, I am ignorant of--is the thing which ought to be most carefully watched-- and in these times, the most difficult to protect. Now, while I don't wish to argue with this facile philosopher, guarding a young girl is much more difficult. I made the locksmith enter through the garden--he must be promptly employed in my plan. I intend to make Arabella and Jenny go out--from fear this would move their hearts and overwhelm them. I've got to call them, so that the workman can act at leisure. When I've satisfied my prudence in this matter--they will have to resolve to be patient. Hola! Someone! Come under these thick trees and take the air with me for several minutes.
(Enter Jenny and Arabella.)
Jenny Here's unseasonable fruit. What favorable demon causes you to greet her so softly and your humor to be so tractable? By your astonishing command, we can go out today for the first time in six months.
Albert We have to change places sometimes. Sometimes, in life, the most charming resort bores us.
Arabella If I'm with you, regardless of the climate, the air will be no softer or better for me. I don't know why, but now I sigh when I am near you; I cannot breathe.
Albert My heart swoons with pleasure at such talk. You need a husband to calm these sighs.
Arabella Girls dissimulate often enough, and pretend to scruples at the name of a husband, masking their true desires, often saying they love no one except the convent. As for me, the power of truth presses me and I can find in it neither crime nor weakness. I have a sincere heart, and I tell you, without pretence, that I want to be married, and sooner than later.
Jenny Well said. What's the use, in the spring of youth, to wish to escape the yoke of marriage, and to leave the number of the living? There were husbands long before convents, and I hold the role of spouse is the most ancient, and the most currently fashionable and used--and the most to be followed in all methods. That's what I say!
Albert You both speak in the same spirit--and my views conform to yours. I intend to marry. Rich as I am--they're always proposing a suitable and advantageous match for me--but I always reply that another love holds me, and that my heart prepossessed by your rare beauty sighs for you alone, and that on your side, you adore only me.
Arabella How's that?
Albert Yes, sweety, I have declared the love which possesses me for you.
Arabella What did you say, if you please?
Albert That, at the bottom of your heart, you nourish a sincere passion for me.
Arabella Where's your discretion, truly?
Albert Beautiful Arabella, one cannot be happy and remain silent.
Arabella You ought not to make such an avowal, and so loud.
Albert And why not, my child?
Arabella (waspishly) Because nothing is more false, and one cannot lie with more impudence.
Albert Then, you don't love me?
Arabella (sweetly) No, but in recompense, I hate you unto death.
Albert (surprised) For what?
Arabella Who knows why? One loves without reason, and without reason, one hates.
Jenny If the admission is not tender, at least it is sincere.
Albert After what I have done, basilisk, to please you!
Jenny Don't get carried away! Observe tranquilly if love has made you a charming object. Your features are worn away--hers are loveable and fresh. She has a well made wit and you a crabbed temper. She's not sixteen, and you are very old. She bears herself well, and you walk with a cane. She has all her teeth, which makes her pretty, and you have only one. Still, she excites you--and you ought to be carried off at the first cough to whatever misfortune down there would please you.
Albert I've taken useless trouble to please her. I will therefore merit her hate, by God. And to secure her dangerous charms, I am going to lead her to a place far from fops, where by her arrogance, she will have leisure to be penitent. Come quickly, let's go.
Arabella Where are you going?
Albert You will know soon enough. March on--no talking. (perceiving Worthy, who has just entered) What an irritating turn of events at this time. To the devil with him and his stupid face.
(Worthy, who was entering like someone out for a stroll, sees Albert and greets him. Scratch enters behind Worthy.)
Albert Sir, do you wish something from me?
Jenny (low, to Arabella) It's Worthy.
Arabella (low) Peace! I see him more clearly than you.
(Worthy continues to bow to Albert.)
Albert Sir, what's the use of these fine manners? Speak, I am tired of bowing and