The Widow's Vow Part 3

MARQUIS. (_Going, returns._) But I know she is so haughty and reserved, that, _should_ she admit me, I shall appear confused and awkward.--

INIS. So much the better--she expects you'll be awkward.

MARQUIS. Expects I shall be awkward!

ISABEL. Pshaw, pshaw--Hesitate no longer with your fears, but away--you know your first court must be to the uncle, and when you have been a little time in the house your apprehensions will vanish.--Away, away.

MARQUIS. But if she should not condescend to see me?

INIS. Oh, my Lord, you may depend upon it she will, because of my dream.

(_Exit Marquis on one side and Isabella and Inis on the other._)

SCENE III.

_The Hall in the Castle._

_Enter_ FLORA _and_ JEROME.

FLORA. Ha, ha, ha, ha.

JEROME. Ha, ha, ha, ha--But is all this matter of fact?

FLORA. As true as I am alive, Jerome--I have done nothing but laugh ever since I heard it--But do you think, Jerome, she'll be drest all over like a man?

JEROME. To be sure.

FLORA. What, every thing?

JEROME. Yes--Every thing--Egad, I long to have a peep at her!

FLORA. Aye, and so would Antonio too, if he knew.--

JEROME. Aye, that he would--he'd be so fond of the young Marquis there would be no keeping him away from her--but he does not know of it, you say?

FLORA. No; no soul knows of it yet but my Lady and I, and now I have told it to you; and I am to tell it to all the servants as soon as she comes, that they may not think my Lady has broken her vow, by admitting a man--Lord, I wonder how I should look in men's clothes!

JEROME. There's the Priest's old great cloak, doublet, and jack-boots hanging up behind that door, if you have a mind to try, and I'll step out of the way till you have put them on.

(_A loud rapping at the door._)

FLORA. Here she is--Here she is--Oh dear--Oh dear--how ashamed I am for her.

JEROME. And I wish I may die if so ben't I. (_Covering his eyes._)

FLORA. And yet somehow I long to see her! (_Another rapping._)

FLORA. Run, Jerome, run.

JEROME. This moment (_turning back_) but I am so afraid I shall laugh.

FLORA. O no--Don't laugh--if you do you will spoil all, and my Lady will never forgive you.

JEROME. Well--I won't--I won't, if I can help it--I'll look so--just so, if I can--as serious as a judge--will that do? (_looking serious._)

FLORA. Yes; that will do. (_Rapping again._)

JEROME. (_Going._) Ha, ha, ha, ha--I can't help laughing a little though--but not before her--I'll be as serious as a judge before her.

(_aside_) Egad I am afraid--I am afraid I shall laugh.

(_Exit, stifling a laugh._) FLORA. Now where shall I run to have a peep at her?--in here.

[_Exit Flora._

_Enter_ JEROME, _bowing before the_ MARQUIS, _with his face on one side, as if he was afraid to look at him for fear he should laugh_.

MARQUIS. Let Don Antonio know I have letters for him.

JEROME. Yes, your Honour--Lords.h.i.+p. (_Lifting up his eyes, looking at him with side glances, and with difficulty stifling a laugh._) Your Honour, your Lords.h.i.+p--Let Don Antonio--know--you--have--letters--for --him. (_Suppressing a laugh._)

MARQUIS. Yes; is not that plain?

JEROME. Yes. (_still suppressing a laugh._) And he'll be very glad to wait upon your Honour. [_Laughs right out and exit._

MARQUIS. A strange fellow this--How my heart beats!

FLORA. (_from a door._) Oh that she would but turn this way, that I might see her face--Oh the impudent s.l.u.t.

_Enter_ JEROME _with a grin on his face_.

JEROME. n.o.ble Lord, Don Antonio will be here immediately. (_Then laughs and stares at him from head to foot._) Here he is.

_Enter_ ANTONIO.

(_The Marquis bows very respectfully whilst Jerome is laughing and making faces behind._)

MARQUIS. Letters, my Lord, from your brother at Madrid.

ANTONIO. Signior. (_Taking the letters._)

MARQUIS. (_aside while Antonio reads._) Heavens, whence this palpitation?

If such are the feelings of my bosom on knowing myself in the same house with her, what must be my agitation on a nearer approach!

ANTONIO. My letters inform me it is the Marquis who does me the honour of this visit--My Lord, your Lords.h.i.+p--

JEROME. Ha, ha, ha.