Andrew Lloyd Webber — 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.)