Doctor Scratch and Other Plays. Noël le Breton

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СКАЧАТЬ produce grandchildren. But, not to sugar the pill, if you marry her, they run the risk of never having that joy—at least without some assistance—you understand me.

      Loveless

      None of this is your affair—and I know what I am doing. When she is my wife, we’ll do what needs to be done.

      Martin

      My word, I doubt she ever will be your wife.

      Loveless

      Well, as for me, I am certain of it. Dr. Bloodgood is a man of his word—he has given me his solemn promise that she will be mine.

      Martin

      Well, that’s something. But, you know that Augusta is a domineering woman—and, if I don’t deceive myself, she has the look of wearing the pants.

      Loveless

      I know she’s a little proud. But the advantages I will bring her daughter will soften her pride—and besides, a husband is always the master of his wife.

      Martin

      Always! My word. I’ve seen many that don’t live agreeably, and who wish with all their heart that you speak true. But, here is Dr. Bloodgood, who is leaving his house.

      (Enter Dr. Bloodgood from his house.)

      Bloodgood

      Ah, it’s you, Mr. Loveless?

      Loveless

      At your service. I came to speak of this business.

      Bloodgood

      What business?

      Loveless

      Oh, the one that—you know about it—

      Bloodgood

      What?

      Loveless

      The business we spoke about together?

      Bloodgood

      When?

      Loveless

      Huh—several times.

      Bloodgood

      Where?

      Loveless

      Several places.

      Bloodgood

      I don’t know what it is.

      Loveless

      About your daughter’s marrying me.

      Bloodgood

      Oh, is that all? I thought you meant something else. About that? You know I’ve given my word. You’ve only to choose the day. Rest at ease. You are the master of that business.

      Loveless

      I’m obligated to you. But, have you taken the trouble to speak to your better half?

      Bloodgood

      No, but I give you her consent. She’s submissive to my will—and I know how to deal with her if she makes any difficulty: I am a man who knows how to inject a little reason into a woman.

      Loveless

      I don’t doubt it.

      Bloodgood

      Actually, I’d like to see her puff up in front of me. If she crossed me, I would make her see how stupid she is. But, thank heaven, I don’t have to trouble. In a word, my wife does everything that I wish.

      Loveless

      Decide, if you please, which of us will speak of it first to her; it’s a propriety I ought to observe, for, as you know, the ladies are jealous of their littler prerogatives.

      Bloodgood

      Willingly, and to get on with it, I am going to bring her here.

      (Exit Dr. Bloodgood into the house.)

      Loveless

      Well, Martin? What do you say to that?

      Martin

      Everything’s going fine, and I’m very easy because of your father-in-law.

      (Enter Dr. Bloodgood with Augusta.)

      Bloodgood

      Wife, here’s our good friend, Mr. Loveless.

      Augusta

      Ah, I am his servant, and delighted to see him.

      Bloodgood (low to Loveless)

      It will be more becoming if you speak first.

      Loveless (low to Bloodgood)

      You begin, then I’ll follow up.

      Bloodgood (low)

      You can explain better than I.

      Loveless

      Not at all. Besides, reason dictates that you should open the subject.

      Bloodgood

      It’s up to you to take the first step.

      Loveless

      I’ve done it for you, and you ought to predispose her before I speak to her.

      Augusta

      At least, tell me what you’re squabbling over, and why you brought me here.

      Loveless

      A mere bagatelle.

      Bloodgood

      Wife, it’s our friend Mr. Loveless who asks for the hand of our daughter in marriage.

      Augusta

      And for whom?

      Loveless

      For me, madam, but under conditions which cannot be disagreeable to you. Doubtless, at first blush, my age would give you some repugnance to the idea—but, when you know, madam, that I will make you a fine settlement on your daughter, and that I will take her without a dowry—and that your husband has already given me his word—I dare to hope you will be as kind.

      Augusta

      All these matters are very weighty—but your age, sir, does not agree with my daughter’s, and one often sees СКАЧАТЬ