Jenny: Yes, madam.

Laura: I have trouble believing it.

Worthy: It's your tenderness speaking for him again, madam.

Laura: Don't speak of tenderness anymore, Worthy. But permit me to doubt what I haven't seen.

Worthy: Do you really need this additional proof, after all that has pa.s.sed?

Laura: My G.o.d, Worthy, I am not taking his side. But still all that's happened doesn't absolutely prove he's guilty.

Olivia: My brother always persists at the wrong time.

Laura: Not at all, madam, and we cannot both be right.

Jenny: The silly goose will not give up his intrigues.

Laura: Shut up, Jenny. These jokes don't please me, understand?

(Enter Arabella and Selina)

Laura: Ah, ladies, I am delighted to see you here. You couldn't come at a better time.

Arabella: (to Laura) Why, madam?

Selina: Eh? How's that madam?

Jenny: We are going to trap a goose. Don't say anything.

Laura: (to Arabella) And above all, you, madam.

Arabella: If it's something regarding Cadwell, as Worthy told me, (pointing to Selina) this lady can take a greater part than I.

Olivia: Selina is also a rival of Laura's?

Selina: Me? I don't know what they're talking about?

Jenny: Come, come, madam, admit the debt. There's no one here Cadwell has not deceived.

Worthy: Truly, it merits a public punishment.

Laura: You don't take it badly, sir. But if things don't work out as you plan won't his glory be greater?

Selina: I don't know what to say about it at all.

Olivia: (pulling Selina into a corner) I am going to instruct you, madam.

Laura: But, madam, if Cadwell doesn't come what good is it?

Jenny: Well! What a misfortune! Madam, is not an interested party?

Arabella: (going to Selina and Olivia) I intend to know all about this, too. They've told me quite imperfectly.

(The three talk)

Laura: (to Worthy) Worthy, the hour's pa.s.sing. Cadwell, isn't coming. I admit to you that I won't be angry if he makes fun of you.

Worthy: At least I will have the consolation of knowing he deserves the tenderness you have for him, madam. But I don't see anything to make you hopeful. It is not yet time.

(Olivia, Arabella, and Selina join Worthy and Laura)

Arabella: (to Olivia) Really, this is very pleasant.

Olivia: Will he be stupid enough to chance it?

Jenny: Oh, indeed yes.

Laura: I doubt it, Jenny. A man with the character you ascribe to him would be more careful.

Jenny: Unless another woman holds him off, I cannot conceive what would restrain him.

Laura: Worthy, he's not coming. (to Olivia) Madam, he's not coming. (To Selina) Madam, do you believe he will come?

Selina: I truly don't know, madam.

Jenny: At the beginning, didn't he keep every rendez-vous you gave him?

Selina: Oh, shut up, Jenny. I am angry with myself.

Olivia: (hearing someone enter) I hear a noise.

(Enter Slice)

Slice: Snuff the lights.

(Jenny snuffs the lights)

Laura: (aside) I am lost.

Slice: My men are keeping him in the antechamber. Shall he be brought in?

Laura: Yes, let him come in. I intend to see him. Who will speak to him? I admit I lack the strength to do it myself.

Worthy: Is there need to speak to him? Aren't you satisfied madam? Besides, he knows your voice.

Jenny: Doesn't he know the voices of all the ladies here? By heart, by all the devils! This is the worst of it. Wait--I can change my voice. Let him enter. Do you wish it, madam?

Laura: Do what you wish.