Libretto (scene 2)
Scene 2 (excerpt)
Maggie (whispering in Margaret’s ear)
Suggest she would make a good model for John…
Hetty (whispering in Harriet’s ear)
Mention our chauffeur, our home in Nice…
Maggie
It’s not too early to begin getting what you came for…
Hetty
Here’s your chance.
Maggie
Make her order a portrait.
Hetty
But don’t let her see you’re anxious to be painted.
Margaret
I have an artist’s eye, like John. The dress you wear is very paintable, Harriet.
Harriet (nonchalantly)
This old thing? (looking at what she is wearing)
Margaret (nonchalantly)
The way you wear it pleases the eye.
Harriet
You flatter me, Margaret.
Maggie
Patience.
Hetty
Patience.
Hetty and Maggie
Don’t seem too eager. Patience.
Harriet (casually)
Do you know Louis Le Grange? He offered to paint me for ten thousand dollars.
Margaret
Louis Le Grange’s reputation isn’t worth that.
Harriet
I’ve heard good things.
Margaret
Perhaps by ordinary people.
Maggie (to Margaret)
His work is splendid. Talk her out of it!
Hetty (to Harriet)
Be careful! Don’t lose this!
Margaret
John gets twenty thousand dollars for a portrait.
Hetty
Must I pay full price?
Margaret
It’s not too much. His paintings double, triple in value.
Harriet
Oh really? Perhaps it would be a waste to pose for Louis Le Grange?
Margaret
Oh yes, I think so. John might be persuaded to paint you for less than his usual price, since you used to be such good friends.
Maggie and Hetty (passionately to Harriet and Margaret)
Oui, c’est cela.
Maggie
Give me the order!
Hetty
I can’t endure much longer! Aide-moi!
Maggie
Sauve-moi!
Hetty and Maggie
Donne-moi!
(scene continues)