Widow
Ah, Desmond—
Bramble
What do I hear?
(Enter Tuneless with a candle. The Widow and Bramble see each other, scream, and exit in different directions.)
Tuneless
I turn the thing into raillery. Now, we shall see. I have an idea that
I must communicate to Lucy.
(Exit Tuneless.)
[Curtain in the original. End of Act II.]
(The lights darken, indicating the passage of time. Enter Arabella and
Lucy.)
Lucy Mr. Bramble is outraged not to be a widower. He curses the Countess who has given him his false joy—but, he doesn't break with Tuneless, because he's afraid Tuneless will inform his dear lady of his infidelity. He still loves you, but he's still more amorous of inheriting from his wife. This should make it easier for Tuneless to bring him round.
Arabella
Really, what good can all this do?
Lucy It may help—with luck. But frankly, I don't think it will help. Let's retire. I'm going to see in what shape my lady is in.