Produced by Dagny and Frank J. Morlock This Etext is for private use only. No republication for profit in print or other media may be made without the express consent of the Copyright Holder. The Copyright Holder is especially concerned about performance rights in any media on stage, cinema, or television, or audio or any other media, including readings for which an entrance fee or the like is charged. Permissions should be addressed to: Frank Morlock, 6006 Greenbelt Rd, #312, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA or frankmorlock@msn.com. Other works by this author may be found at http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/personnage.asp?key=130 THE FOLLIES OF LOVE BY JEAN-FRANCOIS REGARD Translated and Adapted by Frank J. Morlock C 1987 CHARACTERS: Albert Worthy Arabella Jenny Scratch ACT I. Scene: Outside a country house at the end of the 17th century. Dawn. (Jenny enters following Arabella.) Jenny Why, when every one else is sleeping, what demon, if you please, tugs you by the ear and makes you go up and out so early? Arabella Peace, shut up, speak low--you know my plan. Worthy has come back. Jenny Worthy? Arabella (romantically) >From France! Jenny How do you know that, Madame, I beg to ask? Arabella I believed he'd make an appearance hereabouts--more with my heart than my eyes. Jenny I am only astonished that you've avoided the watchful Uncle Albert. My word, here is a guide more excellent than love. Arabella I was at my window waiting for the day. Then, someone came. Seeing the door open, I seized the opportunity offered by the occasion--more to take the air than to flatter my hopes that Mr. Worthy would be attracted here just to see me. Jenny There's no need for you to worry. It's understandable that the poor boy would fall all over himself to see you. He comes tonight, and at daybreak, you wait for him--just to flatter his love. You lose little time. But, what, if by chance, Albert, your tutor, who is jealous by nature, should find us? What would you say to him? Arabella (with determination) I intend to free myself from the jealous fool. I have languished too long under his cruel domain. I'm taking off the mask, so he can see how little regard I have for him, and how I intend to live from now on--and how much I hate him!