Now, your hopes and excuses are dead with your husband:
you are mistress of your estate. You must marry Arabella, or tell me
that you don't wish it.
Widow
I cannot make up my mind to marry Arabella. Really, I don't wish her
so much ill as to expose her to marriage.
Countess
To hear you speak thus about marriage, one would think you didn't like
it.
Widow
On the contrary, it was because my happiness was so perfect, that I
don't wish to marry my niece.
Countess
That's a reason to marry her.
Widow
I had a very loveable husband, and I don't want her to have one.
Countess
Explain yourself!
Widow
She will be too overcome if she loses him, to marry her would be to
expose her to the risk of becoming a widow. (cries) And, to
unhappiness like mine. Ah, Madame, in the abyss in which I find
myself--retreat and solitude--that's the road my niece ought to take.
Countess
Solitude doesn't agree with Arabella.
Widow
Don't speak to me anymore about it. I am too afflicted.
Countess
And, in a word--your niece?
Widow
No, no--I am too afflicted. I intend that she spend her life in a
convent.
Countess
>From the bad reasons you give me, I discern the good ones you keep to
yourself.
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