The Unforseen Return

Translated and adapted By Frank J. Morlock
Characters French names
Mr. Edward Richly (Clitandre) Belinda (Lucile) Clarissa (Cydalise) Squire (Marquis) Lucy (Lisette) Mrs. Prim (Mme. Bertrand) Roger (Merlin) Jeremy (Jacquinet) Mr. Andre (M. Andre) Mr. Richly (M. Geronte)
Six men, four women
The scene is a street before Richly's house. Lucy, a maid is
approaching from one side and encounters Mrs. Prim.
Mrs. Prim:
Ah, there you are! I'm very glad to meet you. Let's take the
opportunity to have a little serious conversation, Miss Lucy.
Lucy: (easily) Just as serious as you please, Mrs. Prim.
Mrs. Prim:
You know perfectly well that I am displeased with the behavior of my
niece.
Lucy: Really Madam. And what's she done wrong, may I ask?
Mrs. Prim.
She does nothing but wrong—and to make it worse she surrounds herself
with a wench like you who gives her the worst possible advice and who
pushes her over the precipice—where she's heading if she hasn't
already fallen.
Lucy:
Well, Mrs. Prim, this is at the very least, a serious conversation as
you put it—and if I were to respond as seriously I don't know where
it might end. But the respect I have for your age, and for the aunt of
my mistress prevents me from responding to you without respect.
Mrs. Prim: My age! You're a model of moderation!