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 charged. 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
Translated and Adapted by
Frank J. Morlock
C 1987
CHARACTERS:
Albert
Worthy
Arabella
Jenny
Scratch
(Jenny enters following Arabella.)
JennyWhy, when every one else is sleeping, what demon, if you please, tugsyou by the ear and makes you go up and out so early?
Arabella
Peace, shut up, speak low—you know my plan. Worthy has come back.
Jenny
Worthy?
Arabella (romantically)>From France!
Jenny
How do you know that, Madame, I beg to ask?
ArabellaI believed he'd make an appearance hereabouts—more with my heart thanmy eyes.
JennyI am only astonished that you've avoided the watchful Uncle Albert. Myword, here is a guide more excellent than love.
ArabellaI was at my window waiting for the day. Then, someone came. Seeing thedoor open, I seized the opportunity offered by the occasion—more totake the air than to flatter my hopes that Mr. Worthy would beattracted here just to see me.
JennyThere's no need for you to worry. It's understandable that the poorboy would fall all over himself to see you. He comes tonight, and atdaybreak, you wait for him—just to flatter his love. You lose littletime. But, what, if by chance, Albert, your tutor, who is jealous bynature, should find us? What would you say to him?
Arabella (with determination)I intend to free myself from the jealous fool. I have languished toolong under his cruel domain. I'm taking off the mask, so he can seehow little regard I have for him, and how I intend to live from nowon—and how much I hate him!
JennyMay heaven assist you in this praiseworthy plan! As for me, I'd ratherserve the devil—yes, the devil. At least when he held his Sabbath, Iwould have some rest. But, in my state, evening, morning, day ornight—I have no peace. I'll have a breakdown soon. He scolds andgrinds his teeth the live long day. "Do this, do that, come, go, goupstairs, go downstairs—close the door and window. Prevent, if youcan, anyone from appearing." He stops, he worries, he runs aroundwithout knowing where. All night he prowls like a frenzied wolf. Hedoesn't permit us to close our eyes. As for him, when he sleeps, oneeye's shut, the other's watching. He never laughed in his life. He'sjealous, stupid, brutal to the extreme, miserly, hard, peevish. I'dprefer to beg for my bread, from door to door, than to serve a masterlike this any lon