Part 5 (2/2)

Scratch Agreed. But, doing you a good turn, I fear that--

Worthy What do you fear?

Scratch Justice. The law.

Worthy We've got to marry her.

Scratch That's understood. You will be married, and I will be hanged.

Worthy I've got an idea for a plan--you know Lovelace?

Scratch Certainly.

Worthy We can take refuge with such a friend. His country house is not far off. It's with Lovelace, that I intend to choose an exile in leaving these parts. There, braving the scorn and rage of the jealous would-be husband--we will prepare, in this place, and we will manage to marry, and make love--

(Enter Albert.)

Albert Oh, sir, forgive the boredom which possesses me; I came back to find some remedy. This is your man?

Worthy Yes, he is.

Albert Please tell him to employ himself in aiding me today.

Worthy And what can he do for you? Speak!

Albert He deigned, earlier, to inform me of his medical knowledge. He has a thousand secret cures for many illnesses. Perhaps, he has one for weak-mindedness?

Scratch Yes, yes, I have more than one--of those salutary effects. But you treated me in a manner, rather--

Albert Ah, sir--

Scratch To refuse to give a chap the time of day--

Albert Forgive my error.

Scratch Nowhere in my life did anyone ever treat me so--not even in Barbary.

Albert (piteously) Oh, can you see a thing, so charming, put an end to her days, without giving aid? (to Worthy) Sir, speak for me.

Worthy Scratch, I beg you, try to cure the evil this pretty lady is suffering from.

Scratch For you, once again, I sacrifice my resentment. Yes, I will cure her-- and radically.

Albert What--you can--?

Scratch Go in. I am going to search my book for the most appropriate cure. You will soon see me in operation.

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