Lucy
See the fate of virtue—
Widow I have expressed all the ideas of tenderness with perfect circumspection, but—shrewdly, delicately, with refinement. Really, without these precautions, I would expose myself to continual remorse. I would imagine, without end, that the soul of the departed reproached me. Yes, even in this moment, I hear his complaints, the sound of his voice, actually in my ears.
(Enter Desmond, after Lucy has signalled him to do so.)
Desmond
Madame.
Widow Ah, Heaven, shh! It's you, Desmond. You've frightened me. I thought I heard the voice of my husband.
Desmond Really, there's quite a resemblance in our voices. The whole world used to mistake us.
Widow
My husband had a very agreeable voice.
Desmond
Let's talk business.
Widow The resemblances in families is remarkable. You've got your uncle's manners—even his brusqueness.
Desmond
Following the advice I have given you—