The Double Widowing Part 12

(Enter the Countess, Arabella, Desmond, and the MacPhersons.)

Countess I come to share your joy in being reunited, in seeing each other again, like Orpheus and Eurydice. And to celebrate the two marriages I've made. Now, enjoy yourselves.

(The MacPhersons start to sing: La, la, la--)

Countess Stop the singing. I perceive that instead of rejoicing you, something saddens you. There's something here I don't understand. When I marry a nephew who displeases you so much that you are sending him away--

Bramble Send him away, Madame, that's what I wish--

Countess And, when I take your niece off your hands--

Widow You please me greatly, Madame.

Countess Arabella will leave tomorrow for Scotland.

Widow I consent, but--

Countess And your nephew to Wales--

Bramble That's what I want--but--

Countess Why then, are you both irritated, when I do what contents each of you?

Lucy Madame doesn't want to be separated from her only niece.

Tuneless The gentleman always wishes to see his dear nephew.

Countess I don't believe that you love them at all. Yet--your tenderness for them gives me an idea. It would keep them here. I'll marry them to each other--if you give your consent to it.

Tuneless This marriage would enrage your wife, and--Arabella would always be where you could get at her.

Lucy This marriage would punish your husband, and someday, with Desmond about, you might--

Countess You hesitate at this second proposition. That makes me suspect--

Widow Not at all, Madame.

Bramble You deceive yourself.

Countess What then made you stop?

Widow Because, Madame, having destined my wealth for a husband who is unspeakably dear to me--

Bramble Yes, Madame, and to protect mine for a loving spouse--

Countess Oh, I'm delighted to be deceived in my suspicions. I see the point that causes you hesitation. I ask nothing for them. Leave your money to each other, and let them take from the survivor. That way, they will ultimately get all your wealth, and you will take proper care of your spouse.

Desmond (to Widow) Madame, prevent them from separating me from your presence.

Arabella (to Bramble, low) Sir, will you let them take me away from you into Scotland?

Bramble What determines me is the fear of--of displeasing my wife.

Widow The fear that I have of angering my husband--

Countess Then, the marriage is made. Give your hands.

Tuneless Such a pretty marriage merits a complete Opera. But unfortunately, we have neither musicians nor dancers. And, in the town they have only peasants. Be content, therefore, to listen to the little cantata I have composed. We are going to rehea.r.s.e it in your presence. And, while we lack musicians, I myself will sing it for you. La, la, la.

(While Tuneless is getting ready, they all run away.)

CURTAIN