The Spirit of Contradiction | Page 5

oracle of my husband? Without a doubt he has taken you into his confidence in the plan he has for Angelica.
Lucas: Hey! He did speak to me about that.
Mrs. Townly: Ha! Tell me about it.
Lucas: I considered the matter of Miss Angelica very thoroughly.
Mrs. Townly: Yes.
Lucas: I know what I would tell myself about that matter.
Mrs. Townly: Well, Lucas?
Lucas: But my thoughts, your husband's thoughts, your daughter's thoughts-- I'm not going to tell you. Not even if you cry.
Mrs. Townly: Lucas, I beg you, tell me.
Lucas: You're not going to find out a thing. I see you coming. You're always trying to find out the yes and the no. I will marry her. I will not marry her. What did he say? What did she say? and all that just so you can see the road others are taking so you can cross them.
Mrs. Townly: On the contrary, I am always going the right way, and each of you turns away from me from malice. And in a word I know they have made some plan contrary to mine. But I see my daughter coming and I must talk to her again. Halloo, Angelica, halloo. Come here for a minute.
Lucas: (exiting) I am going to see Mr. Townly in the arbor.
Angelica: (entering) What do you want me for, mother?
Mrs. Townly: To speak to you again, daughter.
Angelica: I'm always ready to listen to you.
Mrs. Townly: I can complain about you every way because you are a dissimulator, while I am good, and reasonable. Since I have to dispose of you one way or another I want to consult your inclinations. Speak sincerely for once in your life. Do you want to marry or not?
Angelica: I've already told you mother, I am duty bound not to have any will in this matter.
Mrs. Townly: But you do nevertheless--admit it. I have no end other than your satisfaction. Open your heart to me; speak naturally. You think that marriage can make a girl happy?
Angelica: I see some wives who praise their situation.
Mrs. Townly: Ah, now I begin to understand.
Angelica: But I see others who complain.
Mrs. Townly: I don't understand you. Speak to me a little. You've seen this newlywed who goes from door to door boasting about her good luck. Do you hear her with pleasure?
Angelica: Yes, indeed, mother.
Mrs. Townly: You wish then, to be married?
Angelica: Not at all. For this same woman the other day afflicted by her complaints the same assembly that she had recently regaled the day before with praises of her husband.
Mrs. Townly: So you mean you're afraid to take the risk of getting married?
Angelica: I didn't say that, mother.
Mrs. Townly: What are you saying? Either you think marriage is good or bad--you long for it or you dread it.
Angelica: I don't long for it and I don't dread it. I've only voiced some simple reflections without taking one side or the other. The pros and cons seem pretty well balanced to me. That's what has suspended my choice up to now.
Mrs. Townly: Your indecision begins to make me impatient. You have too much character to remain in a situation so indolent.
Angelica: That's the situation a young girl ought to remain in until her mother can decide for her without difficulty.
Mrs. Townly: But if I decided to marry you?
Angelica: My reasons for marrying would become stronger for the reason that my duty would make me forget all the contrary arguments.
Mrs. Townly: And if I decide to keep you single.
Angelica: Then the reasons against marriage would appear to me to be the best.
Mrs. Townly: What talk, what a tractable spirit. I cannot get it out of you. What? You won't give me the pleasure of knowing your inclination.
Angelica: My inclination is to follow yours.
Mrs. Townly: She won't give up her opinion.
Angelica: I will obey you to the death.
Mrs. Townly: What obstinacy, what an opinionated--
Angelica: It's not obstinacy.
Mrs. Townly: What, you contradict me without stopping?
Angelica: To wish what you wish is to contradict you?
Mrs. Townly: Yes, yes, yes, because I want you to express your will and you won't do it.
Angelica: But Mom!
Mrs. Townly: You make me beside myself. Shut up. They will all say I'm wrong again. Now it's you--yes, it's your spirit, one can call it that indeed--a spirit of contradiction. I don't know how I can live with you. A daughter like this is a real domestic calamity. I want to get rid of you for sure. Yes, miss--I will marry you off today. The two candidates are Edward Richly on one side and Mr. Nelson on the other. I will not give you the honor, I will not give you the choice. You will take the one I choose. I will speak to your father one more time. If his ideas are reasonable, I will agree. If not,