Part 12 (2/2)

Captain (concerned) He's seen her?

Spruce Oh, indeed. He's a little brutal. He satirized her and said some things that would put any woman's dander up. And, of course, she took it as coming from you. Flavella left, rather incensed.

Captain I've got to undeceive her of this error. But I see her coming. Where are you heading, Madame? Where are you off to?

(Enter Flavella)

Flavella Someplace you are not.

Spruce There's t.i.t for tat.

Flavella I am going to Urania's to tell her she may have you. Love her, I consent. I give her to you. I vow, henceforth, to flee you like a monster and never see you more.

Captain Madame--

Flavella In return for the most intense love, what do I receive from you?

Injury and invective! It seems I appear to you without honor, wit or attraction.

Captain Madame, listen to me--

Flavella Never. I don't understand how it is possible to be so brutal or to have the audacity, the cold blood, to say such hard things to my very face.

Captain You know that in a public place--

Flavella I don't know a thing.

Captain Everything's all right--

Spruce Listen, without so much pa.s.sion.

Flavella Do you intend that I expose myself again to his stupidities?

Spruce My Lord, no. You jump to conclusions. In one moment, I am going to dispel all these clouds and prove that you are both wrong (Flavella and the Captain protest) and both right.

Flavella Yes, I'm certainly right, as even you, can see.

Captain And I am not wrong.

Spruce All this little squabbling excites you. In two words it will be all over. The gentleman has said certain harsh words to you?

Flavella Past all belief.

Captain But I say--

Spruce Peace--away with petulance. I won't talk to either of you, if you are always going to interrupt. The man who made this impertinent speech to you is him--except he's not him. It's only his figure, manner, name, and face. The one looks like the other. But, they differ, both are not the same, and, in fact, are two! Thus, the other one is him--dressed in his skin, the portrait of my Captain--he's the one who spoke so unfeelingly to you.

Flavella With what kind of nonsense do you hope to confuse me?

Captain Don't go off without listening to him speak.

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