Lucy A misfortune to possess something you love so much! Here's one of your bizarre refinements. You are the most reasonable gentleman in England—but you've no common sense. Speak to me reasonably: do you wish to marry her?
Desmond
Do I ever wish it!
Lucy
If you wish this marriage ardently, let's work in concert. I hope
Arabella will be your wife today.
Desmond
Alas, that's what I fear.
Lucy
Again! Oh, you exaggerate. Is this crazy love or simply craziness?
Desmond No, Lucy, no—it is not caprice, it is not exaggeration. I fear with my mind that which I want with all my heart. I am well aware that I cannot live without the adorable Arabella. But, I foresee we will be unhappy together. In a word, we are unable to agree about anything.
Lucy
And, what is it necessary to agree about to get married?
Desmond
If you knew the reception she just gave me—
Lucy
She was wrong—
Desmond
She received me with an air—