The Lucky Man Part 5

Arabella: (interrupting) No, Jenny, I will wait till she wakes.

Jenny: Or till Cadwell returns?

Arabella: Why Cadwell?

Jenny: To keep you company while waiting for Laura.

Arabella: I've nothing to do with Cadwell.

Jenny: And now, madam, pardon me for speaking so freely, there's a rumor about that you don't hate him--

Arabella: Me?

Jenny: All the world says that he loves you, at least.

Arabella: All the world has lied, Jenny. It is true that certain understandings between people do result in pa.s.sions. I hold myself no more guilty of loving him than of having inspired love. Really, when you hear such foolishness-- But who can take pleasure in spreading rumors like that?

Cadwell himself hasn't any part in it?

Jenny: Why, madam,--what stops you? What makes you angry today is the glory of most women. And the pleasure of being told they are loved leads some to being very loving.

Arabella: I don't know those people, Jenny, and Cadwell would be of all men the one about whom I would least have it said.

Jenny: They say he's the Don Juan of London.

Arabella: Not mine.

Jenny: Still he has wit.

Arabella: I find him somewhat silly--and the most annoying personality.

Jenny: (interrupting her) He's well built.

Arabella: What difference? I cannot stand him.

Jenny: As for writing, n.o.body writes better.

Arabella: What do you say? It's true that I haven't seen his letters, but then as to his manners, I believe he's incapable of doing anything good.

Jenny: Ah--I know of so many difficulties that cannot be arranged.

Arabella: Eh! Who Jenny?

Jenny: What interest do you have in it?

Arabella: I have some reasons for wis.h.i.+ng to know it.

Jenny: I have some, perhaps, for not telling you.

Arabella: I beg you.

Jenny: What do you care?

Arabella: I would like to know who the unfortunate woman is who clings to him so mal apropos.

(Enter Lackey)

Lackey: Selina asks to see you, madam.

Jenny: (to Arabella) Hold--here exactly is one of the unfortunate women. (going to Laura's room)

(Exit Lackey and exit Jenny) (Enter Selina)

Selina: You here all alone, madam?

Arabella: As you see, madam.

Selina: Where is Laura, madam?

Arabella: I am waiting for her to wake up, madam.

Selina: I must do the same, while I wait for my carriage to be sent over.

Arabella: I have mine below--of which you may freely dispose.

Selina: Could I do better than to be with you, madam?

Arabella: I know people you would prefer easily enough.

Selina: There's at least something I could tell you.

Arabella: It's a little thing when one is instructed to the contrary. (Noticing the clasp on Selina) But what do I see?

Selina: What do you see, madam?

Arabella: I admire your pin. The diamonds are very nice. They're well set.

Selina: You find it beautiful, madam? I am delighted that it is to your taste.

Arabella: You've had it for some time, madam?

Selina: A very long time, madam, but I rarely wear it.

Arabella: (aside) Am I deceived? (looking at the pin) With your permission, madam. No, madam, it is not so long as you say.

Selina: I tell you truly, madam.

Arabella: I know what I say, madam.

Selina: And I, madam, know when your questions begin to tire me.