The Lucky Man Part 21

(Slice brings in Bendish dressed like his master, blindfolded)

Slice: (to Bendish) We are entered into her apartment. You have only to wait to be happy.

Bendish: I've been here before, my boy. I a.s.sure you that it is only out of consideration for you, and because I don't wish you to lose your promised reward, that I am not at this very moment calming two irritated mistresses.

Slice: I am much obliged to you. Remember, that the least effort you make to see madam may cost you your life.

Bendish: Oh, I am not worried. Come, come, my friend, I am accustomed to these types of adventures, and we have brought off more perilous ones than this.

Slice: You are at present in her boudoir, and I leave you alone with her.

Jenny: (low to all but Slice and Bendish) Silence, don't make the least noise.

Bendish: (aside) Watch out for trouble!

Jenny: (aside) Nice beginning.

Bendish: Well, angel, here I am.

Laura: (aside) The traitor!

Jenny: Keep such sweet talk for when you know me better. Listen before responding to the things I have to say to you.

Bendish: Plague! You take me for a great fool! I intend to prove to you I merit the choice your heart has made. For I believe you didn't send for me to tell me you hate me.

Jenny: You won't know my true feelings if you don't clear up the uncertainty I am in at once.

Bendish: Come, my little heart, my queen, let's not amuse ourselves with twaddle. Look at these stooping airs, this figure. When we know each other a little better I will ogle you.

Laura: (aside) This cannot be Cadwell!

Arabella: (aside, half voice) No, surely not.

Bendish: Who just said I am not Cadwell. You lied.

Olivia: (low to Worthy) Brother, it isn't him.

Worthy: (low) I don't know what to make of it.

Selina (low) It's not him.

Jenny: (to Laura in a half voice) Madam, it's Bendish.

Bendish: What do you mean, Bendish. Who's that then, my little friend?

Jenny: (low to Laura) It's him, madam.

Worthy: (half voice) A stick.

Bendish: What do you mean a stick? Madam, I will dishonor you.

(Jenny looks for and finds a stick)

Worthy: Quickly!

(Jenny beats Bendish with the stick)

Bendish: (trying to get off his blindfold) a.s.sault! Again? Oh, murder. They're trying to a.s.sa.s.sinate me.

Worthy: What rogue! Are you playing with us?

Laura: Well, wasn't I right? Come Worthy, stop deluding yourself. Cadwell loves me and to mock you better he sends his valet. (to Arabella and Selina) What do you say ladies?

Arabella: I say it isn't astonis.h.i.+ng, for he's never been caught in his life.

Laura: (to Selina) And you, madam?

Selina: That he will repent.

Olivia: (to Laura) For myself, I say nothing.

Jenny: And I, I always said he was a clever cheat.

Worthy: There's something in this that I don't understand, but I will soon find out. (To Bendish) Will you talk?

Bendish: (hesitating) Sir?

Worthy: Come on, quickly.

Bendish: (still hesitating) Sir?

Worthy: (putting his hand on his sword and menacing him) I will kill you.

Bendish: (throwing himself on his knees) Spare a lucky man.

Worthy: Come on, now, admit it. What do you say about all this?

Bendish: (hesitating and getting up) Whatever you wish, sir.

Worthy: Well?

Bendish: The curiosity to be a lucky man and the ease that I found in playing the role of one, made me try,--as you see.

Worthy: Ah, rogue! And how did you do it?

Bendish: I told my master the rendez-vous was changed to ten p.m. and I came at nine in his place.

Worthy: Then it still isn't ruined. It's not quite ten o'clock. Slice, go back to the Park. You've taken the valet for the master. You will find Cadwell-- Bring him as you did this one.