The Document

I have a document
For you to sign
A document?
Sit here
Use my pen
A document
What kind of document?
Just sign it here
And here
And we’ll be done
Now?
It’s a formality
Sign your name, Lady Glyde
Here
On the line
What are you asking me to sign?
(Fosco enters, all civility)
Percival
You said you needed me
I am at your service
Ah, Buongiorno, ladies! I trust you slept well?
I need a witness
To Laura’s signature
Again, what is this document?
Sign your name, Lady Glyde
Sir, she has a right to know
It pertains, Miss Halcombe
To a man and his wife
Then let me read it first
That isn’t asking much
Sign
I have a carriage waiting!
(to Count Fosco)
Do you know what’s in these papers?
I’m as ignorant as you and Lady Glyde
Sign!
But I cannot sign
What I haven’t read
It is too involved
For your pretty head
As a sign of trust
Please pick up the pen
I will read it first
I will trust you then
Let our lawyers bless
What you want from her
Then she’ll acquiesce
With her signature
You’ve a pointed tone
That I will not bear
That’s a point of view
I completely share
Sign your name, Lady Glyde! Infernal women, you know nothing about business!
Oh!
Calmly, my dear friend
Lady Glyde’s upset
So is her sister
Can’t the papers wait another day?
This is a timely matter, and it will not wait!
I will gladly sign
When I know what it is
Forget about the signature
I’m urging you, please
As a man of honor, be patient
Send the carriage away
In all good conscience
I could not be a witness now
For God’s sake, woman, sign! I will not stand for it, I will not!
(Sir Percival goes to strike his wife. He is prevented by Fosco and Marian)
Stop it! Stop it!
She’s still my wife!
She’ll do as I say!
Your temper, sir!
Stay out of my way!
You must be confined
Till you see the light!
This is not a jail!
Sir, this is not right!
She should gladly do
Anything I say
She’s a willful child
Who will have her way!
GLYDE!
You must hold your tongue!
You must not react!
You must leave at once!
Your good name… intact
(Sir Percival leaves)
You’ll be fine, Lady Glyde
Don’t touch me!
You’re safe, my dear
You’ll be alright
His bark is far worse
Than his bite
His temper flares
Don’t be alarmed
He will calm down
You won’t be harmed
Without your aid
Where would we be?
How could I not?
Don’t come near me!
He is our friend!
Look what he’s done!
I don’t trust him
Or anyone!
You’ll be fine
Lady Glyde
(Marian takes his hand—a thank you in her eyes. Fosco leaves.)