Cadwell:
Eh, good day, Jenny. What do you want?
Jenny:
To bid you good day, sir. I have to speak to you for madam.
Cadwell: (to Bendish)
My jerkin. (Cadwell dresses throughout this scene without listening to
Jenny)
Jenny: If I hadn't believed myself able to do you and madam a service, sir, I wouldn't undertake to speak to you. I flatter myself you will find what I have to say agreeable. You know I am in your interests. It pains me to see that you don't wish to be happy. What wouldn't I give to see you make serious reflections on your humor. As for me, I believe you too honest a man not to reproach yourself sometimes for your conduct towards Laura.
Cadwell:
My watch.
Jenny: Dare one tell you that dividing your love between twenty coquettes makes you neither more attractive nor more happy. Your feelings should be faithful to the most loveable lady in the kingdom. Believe me, sir, and you will be believing an affectionate girl totally in your interests: Be happy while you can. There will come a time when the desire to be happy will only meet with despair. You will not always be attractive, and you won't always find a Laura to love you.
Cadwell:
My sword.
Jenny: Fifty thousand francs and Laura! In these days a pretty sum. It ought to be very tempting to you—and I don't know anybody else who wouldn't be tempted by all that.
Cadwell:
My purse.
Jenny: Truly sir, it's useless for you to say or do something, to put to use the merit you have, and you have great merit if one believes the consensus—I intend to become the greatest lady in Paris if I can get you to fifty thousand francs and Laura.