The Lucky Man | Page 5

the world. But as soon as he saw you would be faithful and loving,
has he shown the least regard for you? What haven't you done for him?
Think, madam, that you owe yourself something. You will pardon me
for the liberty I am about to take. What would you think of an amiable
young man, without wealth, lodging with you in the name of your uncle
and who has never been in a condition to make expenditures but for
your love of him. I wish that this plan to marry him can justify your
conduct, but in delaying you permit people to think, to talk. And slowly
but surely you're getting a reputation that doesn't do you much honor. I
believe, I'd even swear that your passion hasn't gone beyond looks and
words. But Laura, is everyone obliged to believe as I do? The world is
not good. Passion has often led others farther than you have gone.
Think of your reputation, and your peace of mind.
(Laura rises and walks off)
But madam where are you going?
Laura: I don't know. Is Cadwell awake yet? Go to him--question
him--his actions, his remarks, and report to me his every word.
Jenny: Useless effort. I will always be misunderstood if I don't take
constant pains. She's loyal and amorous--
(Exit Laura)
(Ender Bendish, from Cadwell's apartment)
Jenny: Ah, there you are. What are you looking for?
Bendish: (amiably) For a crazy lady, and I've found you. Now, I'm not
looking any more as you see.
Jenny: And aren't you a nasty impertinent fellow! Can I see your
master?
Bendish: No, it isn't wake up time for him yet. After having wasted all
his time in an armchair at his toilet, he still has half an hour to sleep,
my word.
Cadwell: (calling from his room) Hey, hey, Bendish!
Bendish: Sir.
Jenny: I will return in a moment.

Bendish: You don't like nudity, I can see that. Wait, help me, I beg you
to carry the toilet here.
Jenny: Why?
Bendish: He says it reeks in his chamber.
Jenny: I'm afraid it reeks in his hair more than in his room.
(Bendish and Jenny take a toilet which is at the entrance to Cadwell's
chamber and place it in a corner of the stage)
Cadwell: (calling again from his room) Come on then, hey!
Bendish: Coming! Yells like a devil. Don't people say he has a lot of
business.
(Exit Jenny to Laura's apartment)
(Cadwell enters)
Cadwell: Will you ever come?
Bendish: I'm here.
Cadwell: What time is it?
Bendish: Doesn't matter.
Cadwell: Scoundrel! Hasn't anyone come to ask for me?
Bendish: Arabella's valet is waiting for you to wake up.
Cadwell: Selina hasn't sent around?
Bendish: I protect you from gossip. (drawing a letter and a watch from
his jacket and presenting them to Cadwell) Here's a letter and a watch
Selina sent you. Her lackey is going to come for a reply.
Cadwell: Just put them there.
Bendish: Aren't you going to read her letter?
Cadwell: No. I know everything that will be in it.
Bendish: (hearing a noise) Someone's knocking on the door. Shall I
open it?
Cadwell: See who it is!
(Bendish goes to open)
Ah, it's from Arabella.
(Enter Arabella's Lackey)
Lackey: (giving a clasp to Cadwell) Yes, sir. Here is what madam
sends you. Will you send a reply?
Cadwell: A reply? No.
Lackey: Will you come to her, sir?
Cadwell: No.
Lackey: Tomorrow perhaps, sir?

Cadwell: Er--one of these days, certainly. (to Bendish) Hey,
Bendish--haven't you got a watch? (Bendish gives Cadwell the watch
which Cadwell in turn presents to the lackey) Take this to your mistress.
(to Bendish) Well now--finish dressing me.
(The Lackey bows and exits)
Bendish: And what will Selina say when she doesn't see her watch
anymore?
Cadwell: Didn't I tell you to dress me?
Bendish: Eh! You don't intend to go out?
Cadwell: I don't know what I will do. I'd like to spend the day here. No,
I have to go out. (Thinking he hears a noise) Someone's knocking.
Another lackey, I'll bet.
Bendish: No, sir, nobody's knocking.-- Admit that it's a tiresome
distinction to be a pretty fellow and not to be able to take a step without
being run after by half the world. These are the perils one faces when
one is made like you.
Cadwell: There are times when I wish not to be as I am--when I'd give
anything in the world to be like you.
Bendish: I believe it.
Cadwell: Perhaps you have some secret to make me disliked?
Bendish: I do, sir. And it's very easy. You have only to continue to live
the way you live and I guarantee you the hate and scorn of all mankind.
(hearing knocking) They're knocking.
Cadwell: