Part 5 (2/2)

McNaughten (pulling himself together) Never. I haven't been fighting.

Urania Is it money? All my wealth is yours.-- When one loves and when one has only the purest ends in view, all the good and the bad, the pleasures and the pains--everything must be shared equally. I want my fortune to run with yours.

McNaughten (low) So, that's it. Wants my money.

(Aloud) I am obliged to you for the sentiment, but I have no need for the kindness you offer me.

Urania I don't understand this. This isn't the way you usually talk.

Spruce (low) He's very rude, the way he talks. The better for us.

Urania Please, let's go in to dinner.

McNaughten (low) I'll humor her.

(Aloud) I cannot now. I have some other business.

Urania'

I don't want to force you, but I'm frightened by your coldness.

McNaughten (furiously) What the Devil is this! Leave and finish. I am neither hot nor cold for you.

Jenny Well! Can he carry this impudence any farther? Stop, sir, you push your insolence too far. My word, if you come to us again, I'm going to slam the door in your face.

Urania But, where've you been? Stop hiding things from me.

McNaughten You pretend to be ignorant, Madame, but you know very well. Didn't you see me on the stage coach. So, you know where I've been and where I'm going. It's your business.

Urania What a reproach! And what stage are you talking of?

McNaughten The most vulgar one can go on. I doubt there's another between London and Bristol that better jolts the pa.s.sengers.

Urania (helplessly) Jenny, you're right, he's lost his mind.

Jenny He hasn't lost a thing. Surely, he's had too much to drink. It's wine that carries him to these extravagances.

McNaughten I've had enough of your impertinences. More important business calls me away, and it's to finish that business that I am here. To get married, and not to dine with creatures like you who seek adventures.

Urania Creatures! Adventures! Heavens! What a way to speak to me!

Jenny Creatures! Ah, Madame, here are two fabulous cheats. If you listen to me, we'll box their ears and avenge our pride.

McNaughten Softly, if you please. Moderate your pa.s.sion.

Jenny I've never felt so wild. I would have spared the valet--but he does nothing to separate himself from his master. Why, Spruce?

Spruce I don't wish to know of your differences. I do not want to fight with you. If he brutalizes you, why blame me?

Urania How unhappy I am and how weak to have declared my affection for this ingrate! Jenny, you know it--I hide nothing from you.

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