Bramble
What's that about three weddings?
Maid
Yours first--for the Countess regards all this as a new marriage.
Widow
She's right. But not one made in Heaven.
Bramble
And the two others?
Maid
Don't you know? Didn't you know the joke was to get money from you to
marry Desmond in Wales. And you, Madame, understood, of course, that
the money asked from you was to marry Arabella in Scotland. But, since
you refused to give it, the Countess is bearing the expenses herself.
Widow (low, to Lucy)
Desmond in Wales!
Lucy
Keep a straight face--virtue.
Bramble
Arabella in Scotland!
Tuneless
Shut up, sir. Dissimulation.
(Enter the Countess, Arabella, Desmond, and the MacPhersons.)
Countess
I come to share your joy in being reunited, in seeing each other
again, like Orpheus and Eurydice. And to celebrate the two marriages
I've made. Now, enjoy yourselves.
(The MacPhersons start to sing: La, la, la--)
Countess
Stop the singing. I perceive that instead of rejoicing you, something
saddens you. There's something here I don't understand. When I marry a
nephew who displeases you so much that you are sending him away--
Bramble
Send him away, Madame, that's what I wish--
Countess
And, when I take your niece off your hands--
Widow
You please me greatly, Madame.
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