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 charge. 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 LUCKY MAN a play by Frank J. Morlock translated and adapted from the French of Michel Baron C 1991 By Frank J. Morlock CHARACTERS: Cadwell (Moncade) Bendish (Pasquin) Laura (Lucinde) Olivia (Leonore) Arabella (Araminte) Selina (Cidalise) Worthy (Eraste) Slice (Ergaste) Mr. Martin (Martin) Jenny (Marton) Little Gentleman (Petite Chevalier) Three lackeys or pages The time, 1687. The place, a large room in Laura's mansion. ACT I. A large room in Olivia's house in London, circa 1687. Olivia: Yes, brother, your plan to marry Laura will not work unless someone opens her eyes about Cadwell. Jenny: (to Worthy) She loves him--you are not unaware of that. Laura is a widow, and I am certain that if she isn't brought to reason, and very quickly she won't delay marrying Cadwell. Count on what I tell you, I've been with her for several years and I know her. Olivia: (to Worthy) Aside from your little love interest what would her uncle Victor think if he found she were married without being forewarned? Wouldn't he have a right to complain of us after having taken care to lodge her with us so we could watch her conduct and report to him? Worthy: I see all this as you see it, but my love makes me say more than I should. I'm afraid of displeasing Laura and besides-- Jenny: (interrupting him) And while we debate these matters Cadwell perhaps will marry Laura. Worthy: (to Olivia) What must I do then? Olivia: Fulfill your promise to Victor to warn him of all that is happening. Tell him of your passion for his niece. Omit nothing that might serve to render you happy. Worthy: I could never do it. Jenny: What! Such false delicacy-- Worthy: But, sis, please-- Olivia: (interrupting him) Brother, do you want to marry Laura or not? Worthy: Yes, I mean to do it! Olivia: Then do what you're told and we will take care of the rest. Worthy: My happiness is in your hands. Jenny: Get going then! (Exit Worthy looking very uncertain and ill at ease) Olivia: Jenny, what's Laura doing? Jenny: I've just finished dressing her. She'll soon be here. Olivia: We've got to find a way to expose this fine Mr. Cadwell.