ACT II. Scene: Same as Act I. Time: A short time later. Lackey: I'm going to find out if one can see, madam. Arabella: Eh! My child--tell me a bit, I beg you, Cadwell--is he here? Lackey: I don't know. I don't believe so. Shall I ring, madam? Arabella: Yes, ring. (Lackey pulls a bell cord) (Aside) Where can Cadwell be? His conduct doesn't satisfy me any more. He has the gift of tasting everything he finds agreeable the very moment he finds it. And the lack of promptness he shows to see me ruins the pleasure I got from the watch he sent me this morning. (Enter Jenny) Jenny: (to Lackey) Well! Who the devil made you ring so loud? Lackey: (exiting) One asks for madam. Arabella: (to Jenny) What's Laura doing? Jenny: She hasn't slept for the whole night. She's just been drowsing for a whole hour. If you wish I will go tell her-- Arabella: (interrupting) No, Jenny, I will wait till she wakes. Jenny: Or till Cadwell returns? Arabella: Why Cadwell? Jenny: To keep you company while waiting for Laura. Arabella: I've nothing to do with Cadwell. Jenny: And now, madam, pardon me for speaking so freely, there's a rumor about that you don't hate him-- Arabella: Me? Jenny: All the world says that he loves you, at least. Arabella: All the world has lied, Jenny. It is true that certain understandings between people do result in passions. I hold myself no more guilty of loving him than of having inspired love. Really, when you hear such foolishness-- But who can take pleasure in spreading rumors like that? Cadwell himself hasn't any part in it? Jenny: Why, madam,--what stops you? What makes you angry today is the glory of most women. And the pleasure of being told they are loved leads some to being very loving. Arabella: I don't know those people, Jenny, and Cadwell would be of all men the one about whom I would least have it said. Jenny: They say he's the Don Juan of London. Arabella: Not mine. Jenny: Still he has wit. Arabella: I find him somewhat silly--and the most annoying personality. Jenny: (interrupting her) He's well built. Arabella: What difference? I cannot stand him. Jenny: As for writing, nobody writes better. Arabella: What do you say? It's true that I haven't seen his letters, but then as to his manners, I believe he's incapable of doing anything good. Jenny: Ah--I know of so many difficulties that cannot be arranged. Arabella: Eh! Who Jenny? Jenny: What interest do you have in it? Arabella: I have some reasons for wishing to know it. Jenny: I have some, perhaps, for not telling you. Arabella: I beg you. Jenny: What do you care? Arabella: I would like to know who the unfortunate woman is who clings to him so mal apropos. (Enter Lackey) Lackey: Selina asks to see you, madam. Jenny: (to Arabella) Hold--here exactly is one of the unfortunate women. (going to Laura's room) (Exit Lackey and exit Jenny) (Enter Selina) Selina: You here all alone, madam? Arabella: As you see, madam. Selina: Where is Laura, madam?