The Spirit of Contradiction | Page 6

no.
(Exit Mrs. Townly in a rage)
Angelica: (sighing) What violence is necessary to turn me into a dissimulator with all the world. I am naturally sincere. But where my mother is concerned I don't dare confide in any one if I'm in a situation where I can see what's happening.
(Enter Mr. Edward Richly)
Edward: Here I am again young lady, and I've resolved not to return to Oxford without having first had an explanation with you. I swear to you your manners make me beside myself. I am furious, worse, I'm no longer in possession of myself. When I think that since the last time I came here neither my love, nor my respect, nor my prayers, nor my reproaches, have succeeded in getting one word out of you. (pause) I can't make any sense out of it. When I spoke to you of the most violent passion that ever was, you listened to me with a tranquility, a languor that was incomprehensible. For women react either with love or scorn or anger to such emotions. Just Heavens, what am I to think of a silence so obstinate?
Angelica: Only that I am prudent and nothing more.
Edward: Do you approve of my love or forbid it?
Angelica: I can't say.
Edward: Always the same indifferent tone.
Angelica: You haven't been able to tell whether I have any inclination for you, right?
Edward: That's what upsets me.
Angelica: Nor have you seen any aversion?
Edward: No indeed. But that's not satisfactory.
Angelica: It satisfies me. For I have need to be impenetrable to your curiosity. Didn't I tell you that I have formed a project to secure my freedom, and that to implement this project, it is necessary that my mother be unable to tell whether I love you or someone else? My father must also be kept from the truth--and therefore you also must be kept in the dark--for if you know it, my father, my mother, and any one who sees you will be well informed.
Edward: You're trying to tell me I'm indiscreet?
Angelica: No, but your vivacity takes the place of indiscretion.
Edward: I know how to control my temperament. For example, from the moment I saw you I felt possessed to such a degree that you wouldn't think it possible. And I swear to you that a word of enlightenment--one little word from you, will make me just as tranquil as you are.
Angelica: But suppose the word is that I have no intention of marrying you?
Edward: Ah, so that is what you dare to tell me? How can I listen to such infamy? Just Heaven!
Angelica: You're not tranquil: would you feel better if I promised never to marry anyone but you?
Edward: If you promised me that--ah! I'd die of delight. Yes, my joy would be so great--
Angelica: So that you would publish that, too. See how your transports of joy or despair give away everything! They would divulge my secret, and from them my mother would know what I want to do: then she would cross me furiously. Thus I find that I am wise to keep you ignorant of my true intentions.
Edward: I can't be ignorant of them, ingrate. They are so plain. So I tell you, I've just learned you will be betrothed to Mr. Nelson, today.
Angelica: That is possibly true.
Edward: And that's why I came here.
Angelica: Well go away, then.
Edward: And that is what has made me understand all your politics. I see you've managed me up to this point because I am friends with your mother. You fear that, irritated by your refusal, I will prevent this marriage.
Angelica: Prevent this marriage! I believe you are a very gallant man to prevent me from securing my advantage.
Edward: No, cruel woman, no. Don't worry. If you are happy with another, I will die, but I will not prevent you.
Angelica: You are ruining my plans already. But I do believe that if I had no inclination for you, you wouldn't try to force my feelings. Do what I want you to do. Don't see either my father or my mother today. I forbid you to appear here. So go, I beg you.
Edward: I obey you blindly, but if you betray me--
Angelica: I cannot betray you, because I've promised you nothing.
Edward: If you betray me you are the most cruel, the most--
Angelica: Oh, if you are going to berate me, wait till I've done something. And I will do something very soon perhaps. Don't be so impatient.
Edward: WHAT! You mean--
Angelica: Here is my father. Leave quickly.
(Exit Edward)
(Enter Mr. Townly from another direction)
Townly: Rejoice, little girl, rejoice. You will be married according to my wishes. I have triumphed and put it over on your mother.
Angelica: Ah, poor papa, I am afraid indeed that--
Townly: (dancing around) I put it over on her I tell you. She just insisted herself that I