Would you have me spend my life all alone?
SIR WILLIAM
In truth, sir, yes, but, if you must marry, then marry a virtuous drudge.
RODERICK
(laughing)
The milkmaid's daughter?
SIR WILLIAM
Well, why not a milkmaid's daughter? No man of sense need restrict himself or deny himself a single amusement for his wife's sake; on the contrary, if he selects the animal properly, he will choose such a one as shall be no bar to his pleasure, but a comfort in his hours of annoyance. For instance, I have got the gout; who tends me? A hired valet who robs me whenever he has the power. My wife never comes near me. What friend have I? None in the wide world. Men of the world, as you and I are, don't make friends, and we are fools for our pains.
Polite laughter at the table.
SIR WILLIAM
My lady is a weak woman, but she is my mistress. She is a fool, but she has got the better of one of the best heads in Christendom. She is enormously rich, but somehow I have never been so poor, as since I married her. I thought to better myself, and she has made me miserable and killed me, and she will do as much for my successor when I'm gone.
There is a reflective silence at the table.
RODERICK
Has her ladyship a very large income?
This question causes Sir William to burst out into a yelling laugh, joined by the rest of the table, and makes Roderick blush not a little at his gaucherie.
A beautiful scene, lit by the flambeaux, held by a dozen footmen. A small orchestra, playing in a Temple of Love, some dancers, people gambling and lounging along a line of trees.
Roderick approaches the Countess.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Despite my friend's strong warning. I resolves to become acquainted with his lady. Sir William Cosgrove was dying. His widow would be a rich prize. Why should I not win her, and, with her, the means of making in the world that figure which my genius and inclination desired? When I determine, I look upon the thing as done.
RODERICK
Charming lady, tell me the truth and earn my gratitude. Have you a lover?
The countess laughs.
COUNTESS
No.
RODERICK
Have you had one?
COUNTESS
Never.
RODERICK
But, for a time... a passing fancy?
COUNTESS
Not even that.
RODERICK
How can I believe that there is not a man who has inspired desires in you?
COUNTESS
Not one.
RODERICK
Have you not a man whom you value?
COUNTESS
That man has, perhaps, not yet been born.
RODERICK
What! You have not met a man worthy of your attention?
COUNTESS
Many worthy of attention; but valuing is something more. I could value only someone whom I loved.
RODERICK
Then you have never loved? Your heart is empty.
COUNTESS
Your word "empty" makes me laugh. Is it fortunate, or unfortunate? If it is fortunate, I congratulate myself. If it is unfortunate, I do not care, for I am not aware of it.
RODERICK