for a young woman: in fact, they create an antipathy, and we see even nature itself revolt. Thus, to avoid these possible disgraces to my family, you will appreciate why I refuse to give my consent.
Loveless
But, your husband has given me his word.
Augusta
I believe it, but obviously he hasn’t considered it carefully, for if he had, he would be—doubtless—of my opinion.
Loveless
Sir, you know you promised me.
Augusta
I believe, as I said before, that he did promise Olivia to you—but he can de-promise her to you—for believe me, it won’t happen.
Loveless
Sir, a man of honor ought to hold to his word. Didn’t you promise your daughter in marriage to me?
Bloodgood
Hey—all that is true—
Augusta
Well—if he promised her—I did not. And that’s enough.
Bloodgood
Wife.
Augusta
Hey—my God, leave me alone. I know very well what I’m doing.
Bloodgood
But, it’s necessary—to keep one’s—
Augusta
It’s necessary not to make such glib promises. One more time, it’s never going to happen. And, your arguments couldn’t be worse than they are. Goodbye, sir. Get it in your head that you will never marry my daughter.
(Exit)
Augusta
Sir?
Bloodgood
What do you want?
Martin
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 sense into a woman. I’d like to see her puff up in front of me. If she crosses me, I’d make her see how stupid she is. In a word, my wife does everything I wish.
Bloodgood
You are an impertinent!
Loveless
Indeed, Martin’s right. And, this is the speech you made to me before we spoke to your wife.
Bloodgood
True, but we must be patient. It’s not necessary to get carried away right from the start. Sometimes one ought to temporize. I promised you— All right, leave it to me.
Martin
All right, leave it to him. He’ll spoil everything. My word, you’d better believe the words of the wife, and not those of this gentleman. You can see quite clearly that she is the sole mistress and master.
Bloodgood
You don’t know what you are saying.
Martin
No, but I know you will be furiously repulsed in any siege effort. Tell me, if you please, who is the boss—you or your wife?
Bloodgood
I am.
Martin
Oh, yeah! In words, but not in deeds.
Bloodgood
You’ll learn that I am master in fact, and in words, too. You are a fool!
Martin
Ah, sir, I’m not going to dispute that quality with you.
Bloodgood
Shut up! (to Loveless) Sir, once more—enough— Goodbye.
(Exit Bloodgood into the house.)
Martin
Ho, devilishly well said. Sir, you ought no longer to hope to marry Miss Olivia, because that opinionated and imperious mother will never give her to you. As for the husband, he’s a fine doctor, a good astrologer, a great psychic—but he’s not master in his own house. You cannot build on his promises.
Loveless
But, don’t I see Scratch?
Martin
Yes, sir. It’s Scratch, all right.
(Enter Scratch.)
Scratch
Ah! Sir, your servant. Good day, Martin.
Martin
Good day.
Loveless
What brings you to town?
Scratch
Your son sent me by coach. I’ve only been in town a few hours.
Martin
By coach? You should have been sent on foot.
Loveless
Why did he send you?
Scratch
Sir, here’s a letter that will tell you everything.
Loveless (reading)
“Father”—hmm— This isn’t his style or handwriting. Are you making fun of me?
Scratch
No, sir. I ask your pardon. You see, I lost his letter on the way. So, I had a peasant who could write make me another one. I know that he was asking for money, and that he promised to be a good boy in the future, and not to do it again. Read the rest of the letter.
Loveless
Huh— I’m satisfied with what I’ve read.
Martin
What, did you dictate to the peasant?
Scratch
Yeah, I did. What are you getting at?
Martin (ironically)
Nothing. But, it’s well-contrived, ho,
