The Lucky Man Part 15

Jenny: He's waiting in the Park for me to send for him.

Worthy: I will go there myself.

Jenny: You will do well.

(Exit Worthy)

Olivia: I won't hide from you, Jenny, that I wouldn't get involved in this for anything or anyone but my brother. I don't like doing wrong.

Jenny: You were not so scrupulous this morning.

Olivia: I admit that and I don't know why.

Jenny: I do.

Olivia: Why?

Jenny: You want me to say it?

Olivia: Yes.

Jenny: It's because he told you he loved you.

Olivia: Yes, I admit it. If only his heart agreed with his manners.

Jenny: (interrupting) Already more than half the way is taken. On my word, I thought I was speaking with a reasonable person, but I see that--

Olivia: How you twist things around!

Jenny: Eh! My G.o.d, I understand that talk "his heart agreed with his manners." There's the jargon about which I was just speaking to you.

Olivia: How crazy you are!

Jenny: I am not crazy; I know what I'm talking about.

(Enter Laura)

Laura: (to Olivia) Well, madam, again you bring me to the point of being disabused. Alas, when will you disoblige me by proving that Cadwell is unfaithful?

Jenny: There's time remaining in the day.

Laura: No, no, Jenny. Don't misunderstand. It's more than a day since I distrusted Cadwell. But can one separate so easily?

Olivia: Listen, madam, for myself, I will say no more. An error which pleases --contents us; a different state would seem harsh. I don't wish to poison your life's peace.

Laura: No, no, madam, let's finish it. It's time. I cannot remain for the rest of my life in the condition I am in. And I am tired of complaining.

Jenny: Ah, that's better. Here's a woman. Courage, madam.

Laura: I believe he's with Charlotte. Shall I send for him?

Jenny: To what good? They are not going to tell you anything, and you will merely increase their happiness.

Laura: Then do what you wish.

Jenny: I will do only what I said. (Seeing Captain Slice appear) Here's Captain Slice. This is the man I spoke to you about.

(Enter Slice)

Laura: Jenny has told you what must be done?

Slice: Don't worry about anything, madam.

Jenny: Have you some strong friends with you?

Slice: I've got all I need.

Jenny: Don't mess up, at least.

Slice: Not my intention.

Olivia: (aside) In truth, it makes me sad. (to Laura) Madam, yet once more-- Don't push this any further. You will be unhappy.

Laura: No, madam, I tell you I am dying of it.

Jenny: (hearing someone) I hear someone on the little landing. Retire. Perhaps it's Cadwell.

Oh, quickly. He mustn't see Captain Slice.

(Exit Laura, Olivia, and Slice) (After a moment enter Bendish)

Bendish: Jenny, have you seen my master?

Jenny: Bah! Silly, you know where he is better than I do.

Bendish: No, may the Devil take me!

Jenny: I just heard his porters.

Bendish: It's true but I was using them.

Jenny: But why in a chaise? Were you ill?

Bendish: Me? No. I wanted to make them earn their wages. I lost my master at the Opera. I don't know what has become of him. I believe one of his friends brought him home.

Jenny: Ah, I hear him. a.s.suredly it is he. Goodbye.

Bendish: Goodbye, my Princess. (exit Jenny) Pretty language. That's what you get from service--always learning something. My princess, my pretty lady, my little angel, my queen, my pet.i.te. Killing words like these and a few sighs, and behold, no more is needed to turn the heads of several ladies of my acquaintance.

(Enter Cadwell)