Countess
Explain yourself!
Widow She will be too overcome if she loses him, to marry her would be to expose her to the risk of becoming a widow. (cries) And, to unhappiness like mine. Ah, Madame, in the abyss in which I find myself—retreat and solitude—that's the road my niece ought to take.
Countess
Solitude doesn't agree with Arabella.
Widow
Don't speak to me anymore about it. I am too afflicted.
Countess
And, in a word—your niece?
Widow No, no—I am too afflicted. I intend that she spend her life in a convent.
Countess >From the bad reasons you give me, I discern the good ones you keep to yourself. You wish to protect your money, so you can remarry.
Widow
Me! Me, remarry!
Countess Listen, to undertake a second marriage, you need the great wealth your husband left you. And, this great wealth, having been earned in managing my affairs—I could—I haven't yet signed off on your husband's accounts—. That's why I beg you not to refuse the ten thousand crowns that you have in your strongbox. I beg you, I really do.
(Exit Countess.)