The Spirit of Contradiction | Page 5

Mrs. Townly: Listen! Is my disposition really so horrible?
Lucas: More than I care to suffer.
Mrs. Townly: At bottom, I'm really no good?
Lucas: To be fair; I know that it isn't from malice that you torment the
whole world--but your will is naturally contrary and never agrees with
the will of any other person.
Mrs. Townly: You hold a strange opinion of me--for of all the women
in the world, there isn't one who contradicts less than I do.
Lucas: There's nobody like you, it's true.
Mrs. Townly: I never contradict except for good reason. But I don't like
being contradicted. For example, I'm angry with you for your obstinacy.

Why do you obstinately hide from me that which I wish to know? Don't
I know that you are the advisor, the 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: