The Double Widowing Part 5

Lucy You've told him that already.

Widow I will say only, that having reflected on what the Countess didn't say, I fear that the husband she intends for Arabella is none other than yourself.

Desmond Me, Madame?

Lucy The gentleman would be wiser to go to the source of the wealth.

Widow I believe it, but from the fear that the Countess will give you, in spite of yourself, to Arabella, I have resolved not to give my money until the marriage contract is signed--and a husband other than yourself is the lucky man. And, I have a thousand other good reasons to communicate to you about this. But, I can't say a word now. Follow me, Lucy.

(Exit Widow.)

Desmond Lucy.

Lucy Sir, I have to go.

(Exit Lucy.)

Desmond What to do now?

(Enter Arabella.)

Arabella Tell me quickly--how did your conversation go with my aunt?

Desmond I think I've convinced her that she should let me arbitrate between her and the Countess.

Arabella That's funny.

Desmond She's disposed to agree to whatever I suggest, and--in a word--she's working for our marriage, without even knowing it.

Arabella Without knowing it. That makes me delighted.

Desmond Do you understand what our happiness is?

Arabella You will judge against her interest. Nothing could be funnier. It charms me totally.

Desmond You are pleased by the joke. The humor of it is what touches you. Your first sensation ought to be a pa.s.sionate feeling of happiness.

Arabella Happiness touches me, too.

Desmond Too, too. You have a delightful choice of words--very revealing.

Arabella Oh, don't quibble with me. I am going to have a good laugh with the Countess.

Desmond What! Leave me without witnessing--

Arabella I will witness you wonderfully.

(Enter Lucy.)

Arabella Ah, Lucy, everything is going wonderfully. You see me in joy. But, in recompense, Desmond is angry. I believe he almost wishes that our marriage should be prevented, and that he will run into some obstacle.

Lucy Then he can rejoice, for the obstacle has come. Your uncle is returned, sir.

Desmond My uncle, ah Heaven, I am in despair.

Arabella All our schemes are ruined. Ah, Desmond, why do you love me so much?

It always makes you so unhappy. Really, I feel worse than you--no hope--I am desolated.

Desmond Desolated, you say?

Arabella Desolated, desperate.

Desmond What? You suffer?

Arabella Oh, how unhappy I am.

Desmond Ah, what a joy for me! You have feelings. I am loved. I don't want anything else in the world. I want only your heart.

Lucy You won't have that either.

Desmond But Lucy, is it really true that my uncle is back? What, in the very moment I was convinced we'd be happy forever. Ah Heaven, is there a misery equal to mine?

(Enter Tuneless.)

Tuneless The steward is back. What a reversal. He took an express coach and returns just in time to desolate us. His wife's rage is going to rebound on us--for she already knows.

Lucy For me, I wish them both what they deserve. To the wife, a dead husband. To the husband, a dead wife. At least their desires will not be accomplished quickly.-- You will never be married.

Desmond Here's my uncle coming now.

Arabella What shall we say to him?

Lucy What role to play?

Tuneless I don't know at all.

(Enter Bramble.)

Bramble Listen, what's this all about? Vainly do I question everybody. Each one turns his back on me, without any response. Everyone in mourning.

Nephew, why are you dressed in mourning?

Desmond (bowing and exiting) Sir--

Bramble Another fleeing mute. And you, Arabella, what have you to tell me?

Arabella (curtsying) Not a thing, sir.

(Exit Arabella.)