The Double Widowing Part 9

Lucy (pointing her in the wrong direction) That way, I think.

Widow Desmond. Desmond. I must talk to you.

(Exit Widow. Enter Tuneless.)

Lucy Ah, Tuneless, everything's a mess here.

Tuneless Ah, Lucy, everything's even worse on the other side.

Lucy Truly, she really wants to make a gift.

Tuneless In truth, he wants to make a gift.

Lucy But, Tuneless--

Tuneless But, Lucy--

Lucy But first, she wants to a.s.sure herself that Desmond--

Tuneless He wishes to be first secure of Arabella. He will give, when the contract is signed.

Lucy In signing the contract, she says.

Tuneless I can't see any hope.

Lucy My genius is exhausted.

Tuneless Our intrigue falls of its own weight.

Lucy She's too sly.

Tuneless He's too clever. Very well. Lucy, let us at least have the pleasure of das.h.i.+ng their hopes of this double marriage.

Lucy What you suggest will do no good as far as I can see. I haven't the audacity to laugh about it. They'll be furious.

(Exit Lucy.)

Tuneless Me, I always have the courage to amuse myself. Let's see what will become of this. The husband is left alone in his apartment--his wife is alone in hers. They are both saddled for the race. Let's see who will win. Good, here's the husband. I also see the wife. Let's turn out the lights so as to make this double widowhood last a bit longer.

(Tuneless turns out the lights. Bramble enters.)

Bramble The Countess thinks she's found her dupe. She intends to get me to give my money to Desmond, and then marry Arabella to whoever she pleases. But Arabella would be in despair not to marry me. I told her to meet me here so we could take some precautions. She's on her way.

Let's wait here. (stepping into the shadows)

(Enter Widow.)

Widow I can't find Desmond anywhere. Someone turned out the lights. He couldn't have given Arabella a rendez-vous here?

Bramble (aside) If Arabella agrees, I will marry her, in spite of the Countess. I've only to take her away secretly. But, what's happening?

Widow It's Desmond, waiting for Arabella!

Bramble Arabella is following me. How lucky I am, that she's promised to marry me. Ah!

Widow How he sighs for her. The little traitor!

Bramble It's Arabella who's looking for me. Here I am.

Widow The resemblance of their voices always astonishes me. How I love one and hate the other.

Bramble Am I the one you're looking for?

Widow His voice makes me tremble-- But, I am crazy--it's Desmond's voice that sounds like that. I'll pretend to be Arabella. I've come to our rendez-vous, my dear, Desmond.

Bramble Desmond--what, is it Desmond you come to see, after having promised never to be with anyone but me?

Widow Ah! It's the true raging voice of my husband.

Bramble Ingrate! Liar!

Widow His ghost reproaches me.

Bramble To betray me thus.

Widow His ghost returns. Let's get out of here! (runs and falls into a chair) My legs have betrayed me! Let me call for help. Ah! My voice fails me.

Bramble You wish to marry Desmond?

Widow I didn't say that.

Bramble What! Didn't I hear right--"Isn't it Desmond?"

Widow Oh, no. I will never have another except you.

Bramble Bah! Never have another--

Widow No, no, husband, no.

Bramble She trembles and calls me her husband. She fears the Countess. There's only me here--don't be afraid. Follow me.

Widow Ha--a, a, a--

Bramble (taking her hand) Where are you then?

Widow (fainting) Ah.

Bramble Don't be afraid--it's me who's got your hand.