Arabella (leaving, singing)
An old tomcat—
Albert Jenny, follow her—see if it is possible to find some remedy for this terrible misfortune.
Jenny My poor mistress! Ah, my heart is so overcome. I believe that I am going to become mad, too.
(Arabella exits, followed by Jenny and Albert.)
Worthy (standing aside, opening the letter) They've gone in. Let's read. "You will be surprised by the part I am taking, but the slavery in which I find myself becomes harder each day, and I believe it permits me to dare anything. You, on your part, try to deliver me from the tyranny of a man I hate as much as I love you." What do you say, I beg you, about all you've seen of this madness?
Scratch I admire the resources of feminine wit when it is ignited by the imp of love.
Worthy Scratch, this night, without more delay, we must devise some brilliant scheme which will allow us to free her from such a hard yoke.
Scratch
You intend to carry her off?
Worthy
That would be the quickest and safest way.
Scratch
Agreed. But, doing you a good turn, I fear that—