The Lucky Man Part 19

Cadwell: (to Bendish) I believe you are joking

Bendish: (pointing to Martin) Ask if I haven't spoken--

Cadwell: (to Martin) There, let's see. Do you have my scarf?

Martin: (displaying the scarf) Here it is.

Cadwell: (examining it) It's very pretty. How much did you pay him?

Martin: This morning a masked lady in a chaise came to my shop to purchase it from me. It was only ten o'clock. I believed that you would not be awake. Another lady, also masked paid my wife for it. My wife went out. A third purchased it from my daughter. What shall I do with this money? I don't know who gave it to me?

Cadwell: Make me two more scarves.

Martin: Same kind?

Cadwell: No, different. You have some wit, to adjust things like that.

Martin: Fine, sir, you will have them in the morning.

(Exit Martin)

Bendish: Sir, in favor of so many scarves, won't you pardon me for a little jerkin?

Cadwell: I will pardon you, but if ever in your life--I am going to spend a few minutes with this little shop girl near here, waiting for the hour.

Bendish: Shall I go to find you?

Cadwell: No, I have no need of you. I must be alone. Didn't they say that?

(Exit Cadwell)

Bendish: Plague! At least I wasn't so stupid as to give him the jerkin he asked for! It's a lucky jerkin for lucky men. They usually are employed in great matters, and I intend to use it in a great affair. For once in my life I intend to know what it is to be a man of fortune. I already know how to ogle, as for small talk I know that. I have only to dress quickly. (taking Cadwell's clothes from an armoire, and dressing with difficulty for Cadwell's clothes are a bit tight) Oh, let's begin with this divine jerkin. Plague! It's tight. Oh, who cares! A snip with the scissors and two or three st.i.tches with a needle are no great matter.

All right hips--get smaller. No good. What's the difference. I will say that they brought it this way. You will see that I will start a fas.h.i.+on of high hips. I have been seen before with big shoulders and elbows in arrear. Here's a jerkin which seems very easy for me to put on. These cursed tailors put the b.u.t.tons so far from the b.u.t.ton holes.

I will burst. Well, who would not suffer for good luck. Was ever a man better dressed? Large head, small waist, low hips. Dammit, I intend to forget that Cadwell exists. d.a.m.nation, I almost forgot the best part.

Orange flower water. Can one have good fortune without orange flower water? (he takes a flask from the toilet and sprays himself) It seems to me I have all the attributes of a lucky man. G.o.d protect us from mishap!

CURTAIN

ACT V. The same. An hour later.

Jenny: Where the devil is Olivia? Where is Worthy? Worthy hasn't returned yet. What is all this? On my oath, I am going crazy? I take this business to heart worse than if it were my own.

(Enter Worthy)

Jenny: Eh! Where are you coming from?

Worthy: I've been to Arabella and then Selina.

Jenny: To do what?

Worthy: To bring them to witness the comedy. Didn't you tell me it was necessary for them to be present to prevent Laura from relapsing?

Jenny: Yes, but it's more important to know if the comedy is going to go on.

Worthy: Since Slice hasn't returned, all is going well. He's thought of everything without a doubt.

Jenny: (derisively) Oh, there, there, everything's going fine. Nothing could spoil it.

Worthy: What's Laura doing?

Jenny: Oh, my word. She's quite resolved never to see Cadwell again if he falls into the trap.

(Enter Slice) Slice: Sir?

Worthy: Ah, you here? Well?

Jenny: What have you done?

Slice: He's undoing himself. He's sure he knows the imaginary person I told him of. I didn't want to undeceive him since he's so sure of it.

Jenny: He's going to let you blindfold him?

Slice: Everything, I tell you.

Jenny: Ah, the funny dodo. His name will become famous.

Slice: He will meet me in the Park in a few minutes.

Worthy: It isn't far. Better for you to wait for him. Hurry! Have you a carriage?

Slice: I've everything that's necessary.

Jenny: If by chance he tries to tear off his blindfold?

Slice: Don't worry about anything. Two of us will prevent him.

Jenny: Get going, then.

(Exit Slice, then enter Laura and Olivia)

Laura: (to Jenny) Well--is he coming then?

Jenny: Yes, madam.

Laura: On the conditions imposed on him?