Produced by Dagny and Frank J. Morlock
This Etext is for private use only. No republication for profit inprint or other media may be made without the express consent of theCopyright Holder. The Copyright Holder is especially concerned aboutperformance rights in any media on stage, cinema, or television, oraudio or any other media, including readings for which an entrance feeor the like is charge. Permissions should be addressed to: FrankMorlock, 6006 Greenbelt Rd, #312, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA orfrankmorlock@msn.com. Other works by this author may be found athttp://www.cadytech.com/dumas/personnage.asp?key=130
a play by Frank J. Morlock
translated and adapted from the French of
Michel Baron
C 1991
By Frank J. Morlock
CHARACTERS:
Cadwell (Moncade)
Bendish (Pasquin)
Laura (Lucinde)
Olivia (Leonore)
Arabella (Araminte)
Selina (Cidalise)
Worthy (Eraste)
Slice (Ergaste)
Mr. Martin (Martin)
Jenny (Marton)
Little Gentleman (Petite Chevalier)
Three lackeys or pages
The time, 1687.
The place, a large room in Laura's mansion.
Olivia:Yes, brother, your plan to marry Laura will not work unless someoneopens her eyes about Cadwell.
Jenny: (to Worthy)She loves him—you are not unaware of that. Laura is a widow, and I amcertain that if she isn't brought to reason, and very quickly shewon't delay marrying Cadwell. Count on what I tell you, I've been withher for several years and I know her.
Olivia: (to Worthy)Aside from your little love interest what would her uncle Victor thinkif he found she were married without being forewarned? Wouldn't hehave a right to complain of us after having taken care to lodge herwith us so we could watch her conduct and report to him?
Worthy:I see all this as you see it, but my love makes me say more than Ishould. I'm afraid of displeasing Laura and besides—
Jenny: (interrupting him)
And while we debate these matters Cadwell perhaps will marry Laura.
Worthy: (to Olivia)
What must I do then?
Olivia:
Fulfill your promise to Victor to warn him of all that is happening.
Tell him of your passion for his niece. Omit nothing that might serve
to render you happy.
Worthy: I could never do it.
Jenny:
What! Such false delicacy—
Worthy:
But, sis, please—
Olivia: (interrupting him)
Brother, do you want to marry Laura or not?
Worthy:
Yes, I mean to do it!
Olivia:
Then do what you're told and we will take care of the rest.
Worthy:
My happiness is in your hands.
Jenny:
Get going then!
(Exit Worthy looking very uncertain and ill at ease)
Olivia:
Jenny, what's Laura doing?
Jenny:
I've just finished dressing her. She'll soon be here.
Olivia:
We've got to find a way to expose this fine Mr. Cadwell.
Jenny:Fine! He can