Worthy I am thinking of a way that's very crazy—but who cares? The play will be better because it will be stronger. We must convince Albert that with certain words—as you already told him—you can cure her of this illness—but someone else must take the frenzy. I will offer myself, so as to be ready for all emergencies. Let me alone after that.
Scratch But, how do you hope to get Arabella to take part in this plan, without knowing about it?
Worthy I will instruct her in all, I give you my word. But, think only of playing your role well. When Arabella comes back, keep the old man busy to give me time to explain everything to her. A few words are all the instruction she'll need. Albert is late—ah, but I see him leaving the house.
(Enter Albert.)
Albert God conduct the ship and send it to safe harbor.— Oh, gentlemen, her folly increases every moment. A military delusion now torments her. She's turned her ball dress into a uniform, she's taken up armor,—a dragoon's helmet and a large scimitar. She speaks only of blood and combat. My money must serve to raise an army. She wants to draft me.
(Enter Jenny and Arabella. Arabella is in a fantastic military outfit.)
Arabella Death—long live war! I cannot remain useless around here. My outfit is ready. Ah, Marquis, it's fortunate I find you in this place. I've come to say goodbye to you. I've found money to finance my campaign— and this very night I leave for Germany!
Albert
Heavens—what mental aberration!
Arabella By God, officers are wrong to obtain money from the dirty hands of usurers. Better to intrigue—better to inflate the roster. This fellow (pointing to Albert) loaned me his money. I hold him to be the greatest rogue, the worst Jew, the worst dog that one can find in such affairs. I wish someone would bring me his ears.— Now, I'm ready to go serve the king. Nothing's left to do, except for you to go with me.
Worthy
Wherever you go, I will go. (to Albert) It's prudent to humor her.