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.)

You wanted me?

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.)