The Document

Scene: "Sign the Document!"

(The next day. We are now in late March. Blackwater House. The library. Sir Percival waits for his wife. She enters with Marian.)

[LAURA]
You wanted me?

[GLYDE]
I have a document
For you to sign

[LAURA]
A document?

[GLYDE]
Sit here
Use my pen

[LAURA]
A document
What kind of document?

[GLYDE]
Just sign it here
And here
And we'll be done

[LAURA]
Now?

[GLYDE]
It's a formality
Sign your name, Lady Glyde
Here
On the line

[LAURA]
What are you asking me to sign?

(Fosco enters, all civility)

[FOSCO]
Percival
You said you needed me
I am at your service

Ah, Buongiorno, ladies! I trust you slept well?

[GLYDE]
I need a witness
To Laura's signature

[LAURA]
Again, what is this document?

[GLYDE]
Sign your name, Lady Glyde

[MARIAN]
Sir, she has a right to know

[GLYDE]
It pertains, Miss Halcombe
To a man and his wife

[LAURA]
Then let me read it first
That isn't asking much

[GLYDE]
Sign
I have a carriage waiting!

[MARIAN]
(to Count Fosco)
Do you know what's in these papers?

[FOSCO]
I'm as ignorant as you and Lady Glyde

[GLYDE]
Sign!

[LAURA]
But I cannot sign
What I haven't read

[GLYDE]
It is too involved
For your pretty head
As a sign of trust
Please pick up the pen

[LAURA]
I will read it first
I will trust you then

[MARIAN]
Let our lawyers bless
What you want from her
Then she'll acquiesce
With her signature

[GLYDE]
You've a pointed tone
That I will not bear

[MARIAN]
That's a point of view
I completely share

[GLYDE]
Sign your name, Lady Glyde! Infernal women, you know nothing about business!

[FOSCO]
Oh!

Calmly, my dear friend
Lady Glyde's upset
So is her sister
Can't the papers wait another day?

[GLYDE]
This is a timely matter, and it will not wait!

[LAURA]
I will gladly sign
When I know what it is

[FOSCO]
Forget about the signature
I'm urging you, please
As a man of honor, be patient

[MARIAN]
Send the carriage away

[FOSCO]
In all good conscience
I could not be a witness now

[GLYDE]
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)

[MARIAN]
Stop it! Stop it!

[GLYDE]
She's still my wife!
She'll do as I say!

[FOSCO]
Your temper, sir!

[GLYDE]
Stay out of my way!
You must be confined
Till you see the light!

[MARIAN]
This is not a jail!

[FOSCO]
Sir, this is not right!

[GLYDE]
She should gladly do
Anything I say
She's a willful child
Who will have her way!

[FOSCO]
GLYDE!

You must hold your tongue!
You must not react!
You must leave at once!
Your good name... intact

(Sir Percival leaves)

[FOSCO]
You'll be fine, Lady Glyde

[LAURA]
Don't touch me!

[FOSCO]
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

[MARIAN]
Without your aid
Where would we be?

[FOSCO]
How could I not?

[LAURA]
Don't come near me!!

[MARIAN]
He is our friend!
Look what he's done!

[LAURA]
I don't trust him
Or anyone!

[FOSCO]
You'll be fine
Lady Glyde

(Marian takes his hand—a thank you in her eyes. Fosco leaves.)