Laura: (with exasperation) Oh--speak, Jenny! Jenny: Ah, I feel better already. Tell me, madam, at the time you used to bore my head with exaggerating the happy state of widowhood, and how nothing in the world would induce you to remarry, had someone told you a man would come to propose to be your husband or lover (one doesn't make much distinction between the two these days) a restless man, always bizarre, always content with himself, never content with others--what would you have said? Laura: They would have violently offended me. Jenny: Oh, not offended. If that was so you would feel the outrage and the shame you receive. Laura: Me? Jenny: You, madam. Don't you love Cadwell? It is his portrait I have just drawn. Laura: How you paint him, Jenny! Jenny: As he is, madam, and as he ought to appear to you. While he wanted to please you and be loved by you, Cadwell was the finest man in the world. But as soon as he saw you would be faithful and loving, has he shown the least regard for you? What haven't you done for him? Think, madam, that you owe yourself something. You will pardon me for the liberty I am about to take. What would you think of an amiable young man, without wealth, lodging with you in the name of your uncle and who has never been in a condition to make expenditures but for your love of him. I wish that this plan to marry him can justify your conduct, but in delaying you permit people to think, to talk. And slowly but surely you're getting a reputation that doesn't do you much honor. I believe, I'd even swear that your passion hasn't gone beyond looks and words. But Laura, is everyone obliged to believe as I do? The world is not good. Passion has often led others farther than you have gone. Think of your reputation, and your peace of mind. (Laura rises and walks off) But madam where are you going? Laura: I don't know. Is Cadwell awake yet? Go to him--question him--his actions, his remarks, and report to me his every word. Jenny: Useless effort. I will always be misunderstood if I don't take constant pains. She's loyal and amorous-- (Exit Laura) (Ender Bendish, from Cadwell's apartment) Jenny: Ah, there you are. What are you looking for? Bendish: (amiably) For a crazy lady, and I've found you. Now, I'm not looking any more as you see. Jenny: And aren't you a nasty impertinent fellow! Can I see your master? Bendish: No, it isn't wake up time for him yet. After having wasted all his time in an armchair at his toilet, he still has half an hour to sleep, my word. Cadwell: (calling from his room) Hey, hey, Bendish! Bendish: Sir. Jenny: I will return in a moment. Bendish: You don't like nudity, I can see that. Wait, help me, I beg you to carry the toilet here. Jenny: Why? Bendish: He says it reeks in his chamber. Jenny: I'm afraid it reeks in his hair more than in his room. (Bendish and Jenny take a toilet which is at the entrance to Cadwell's chamber and place it in a corner of the stage)