End of Act II.]
(The lights darken, indicating the passage of time. Enter Arabella and
Lucy.)
Lucy
Mr. Bramble is outraged not to be a widower. He curses the Countess
who has given him his false joy--but, he doesn't break with Tuneless,
because he's afraid Tuneless will inform his dear lady of his
infidelity. He still loves you, but he's still more amorous of
inheriting from his wife. This should make it easier for Tuneless to
bring him round.
Arabella
Really, what good can all this do?
Lucy
It may help--with luck. But frankly, I don't think it will help. Let's
retire. I'm going to see in what shape my lady is in.
(Exit Lucy and Arabella. Enter Tuneless and Bramble.)
Tuneless
Yes, sir, it's dissimulation that keeps society going between men--
civil and matrimonial.
Bramble
Ouf!
Tuneless
Under the shelter of dissimulation, courtiers embrace each other,
women compliment each other, and authors bow to each other at a
distance. Dissimulation creates new friendships and smoothes over old
hatreds.
Bramble
Ouf!
Tuneless
Without dissimulation, how many secret separations would grow into
public divorces. But dissimulation gives wisdom to men, joy to
husbands--that's why there are so many happy families at present.
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