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
