Spruce
As I was saying, I watched his quarrel from a distance, and when he
finally left, I gave him a taste of my abilities as a porter. My zeal
and flattery worked to such effect that he asked me to be his valet. I
even recommended him this lodging--a place fit for the masterful
projects I am hatching in my head. He ought to be here any minute.
Captain (amused)
What masterful project are you hatching in that charming head of
yours?
Spruce
Fortune herself appeared to me--in total surrender. We can profit by
this resemblance you bear to each other to obtain Flavella, and--
what's more important--your inheritance. Two birds with one stone.
Captain
Yes, yes, we can. We shall, we will. But how?
Spruce
Nothing could be easier. We'll trade off this bumpkin to Aunt Urania,
you will get Miss Flavella, and more important, I will get Jenny.
Captain
And how are we to put this brave plan into action?
Spruce
First, you've got to change clothes, and dress like the heir apparent.
Adopt his mannerisms, and the Devil will provide--
Captain
Dress like an heir? My God, I don't know how. I've never been an heir
before.
Spruce
Act sad on first sight. Impose on the lawyer and get the money.
Captain
I am a little uncomfortable about deceiving my brother.
Spruce
What an idle and ridiculous delicacy! Risk nothing, gain nothing.
Maybe you ought to protect him. With this money, he could do some
good--only you don't give him a good character.
Captain
If I want this inheritance, it's only for the sake of Flavella, whom I
adore.
Spruce
Of course. And if you don't get it, he will have her! Can you bear
thinking of him kissing her?
Captain
Damnation!
Spruce
But he was a fine brother, and you ought not to deceive him.
Captain
He's a son of a bitch. He was always stealing my toys. That's it. I'll
do it.
Spruce
Good. That's the spirit.
Captain
I'll tell you what. Flavella doesn't look on me with indifference. Her
father knows nothing of it, and, by good luck, has never seen me,
because I've never taken the first step to ask for her hand. If I had,
all my hopes would have been dashed, I am sure of it. Still, one thing
holds me back.
Spruce
Good Heavens, what can it be?
Captain
I've promised in writing to marry Urania.
Spruce
Banish all thought of that engagement. If you were to marry all the
women you've promised to marry, you would be a bigamist many times
over. Now to work! You must dress like your brother. He's wearing
mourning, a little frayed. His wig's a little different than yours,
but you really don't need to change much. You must get into mourning,
without wasting any time.
Captain
But, Urania is waiting for me to dine with her!
Spruce
You now have other work to do. Dine tomorrow! I believe I see your
brother coming up that side street. I'm not mistaken. You must go
quick-- Doubletime, Captain.
Captain
But, tell me first--
Spruce
I've nothing to say to you now, except go, quickly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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