The Triple Marriage | Page 5

although you just got here, it would be better for you to leave.
Anna And I, for one, think it isn't necessary. Count on Belinda saying
nothing. Wait till she gets married. What a talent for pacifying a jealous
husband. The man will be lost--for husbands in this country are the
nicest in the world and it doesn't take much skill to trap them.
Elizabeth Anna, really!--it would be better if you kept your mind on
how to help us, instead of giving vent to such silly ideas!

Anna As you like. I am going to tell that precocious little girl not to say
a word to your father.
Elizabeth I will be very much obliged to you.
Anna On my word, here he is himself.
Elizabeth Oh, we are discovered.
Jeremy Watch yourselves carefully.
(Enter Mr. Matthews.)
Matthews Good day, my dear, how are you feeling?
Elizabeth Not very ill today, papa.
Anna I wager it was Miss Belinda who sent you here.
Matthews Oh no, she didn't want me to come. She told me Elizabeth
had left with you to take a walk in the Park.
Anna That is what we spoke of doing in front of her, but Miss
Elizabeth changed her mind because she is a little indisposed--and
because she really loves dancing. I brought these gentlemen here while
waiting for your little show.
Matthews You did very well.
Anna They are dressed to play a very exciting part.
Matthews They both look good.
Jeremy Sir, in all modesty, we are very light on our feet. (falling
drunkenly on Matthews)
Matthews Not so light, it would seem.
Anna They are so drunk, both of them, that they haven't the strength to
dance two steps. I told you exactly what would happen.
Jeremy Frankly, Mr. Matthews, you really have the finest wine to be
had in London, and if I weren't as sober as I am, I would be of half a
mind to take good care of it.
Matthews It seems to me, you haven't been too thrifty with it.
Jeremy The better to amuse you. Wine gives me a strength, a
suppleness. Would you like to dance a little entrée with me, Mr.
Matthews?
Matthews No, no, my boy, you will do better to go sleep and wait till
everybody's come.
Jeremy You are a man of good counsel. Agreed! To sleep.
Matthews I believe this one is not so drunk as the other fellow, because
he doesn't say a word.
Jeremy He doesn't think the less. My master has a sad mind.

Matthews What--his master?
Jeremy Hey, yes, sure! I am only his assistant. Wait till you see him.
He's the best fellow in the world, and if you wish he will demonstrate
with your daughter.
Matthews Do you feel like trying it with him?
Elizabeth I wouldn't dare suggest it to you, papa, but if you wish it, it
would give me the greatest pleasure in the world.
Matthews I retained you to show my daughter. She already has had
good instruction.
Jeremy So much the better. My master always wishes to add to his
scholars.
Manly (pretending to be drunk) Don't worry. I will impart to her all
my--hic--skills.
Matthews As soon as you can, I beg you. I've just decided to marry her
off--and I want her to dance at her wedding.
Anna And, to whom are you planning to marry her, if you please?
Matthews To one of my best friends--we were students together.
Anna With one of your school mates! Really, you're joking.
Matthews What! Didn't you just tell me a little while ago that she needs
a husband?
Anna Yes, sir. But believe me--but my word, will a man who was your
school mate be capable of restoring her to health?
Matthews Mr. Nugent offers to take her without a dowry. I like that
idea. He's coming here immediately, and I had better get ready to see
him.
(Exit Matthews.)
Jeremy Madame Nugent, I am your very humble servant.
Manly Double crosser! Is now a time to joke?
Elizabeth Ah, Manly, what will become of us?
Elizabeth Anna, help us with your advice.
Anna I'm as flabbergasted as you, and what has just been said makes
me even more so.
Elizabeth Ah, if only my brother Walter were here! He loves me and
father really cares about him. We could confide our secret to him and
he would be able to help us. But he's been in the country for the last
eight days and we don't know when he'll be back.
Jeremy My God, what a mess you're in. But, I've found a way to get

you out of it.
Manly What good can you do us in the state you're in?
Jeremy Wine gives me wit.-- Silence, I am