Crowds surround Roderick.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I was by this time one of the best-known characters in Europe; and the fame of my exploits, my duels, my courage at play, would bring crowds round me in any public society where I appeared.
Attractive women alone, while men are at the gaming table.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The passion for play is stronger than the passion for gallantry; the gamester at Spa has neither time to stop to consider the merits of a woman, nor the courage to make sacrifices for her.
The Countess of Cosgrove walks beside her husband, Sir William Cosgrove, who is in a wheelchair. They are accompanied by their young son, Lord Brookside, and two servants.
RODERICK (V.O.)
In evoking the recollections of these days, I have nothing but pleasure. I would if I could say as much of a lady who will henceforth play a considerable part in the drama of my life -- I mean the Countess of Cosgrove, whose fatal acquaintance I made at Spa, very soon after the tragic events which caused me to quit Germany.
Closer shot of the Countess.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Victoria, Countess of Cosgrove. A Countess and a Viscountess in her own right.
Closer shot of Sir William Cosgrove.
RODERICK (V.O.)
She was the wife of her cousin, the Right Honorable Sir William Reginald Cosgrove, Knight of the Bath, and Minister to George II and George III of several of the smaller courts of Europe.
Closer shot of young Lord Brookside, walking behind them in the care of his governor.
RODERICK (V.O.)
She was the mother to Viscount Brookside -- a melancholy, deserted, little boy, about whom his father was more than indifferent, and whom his mother never saw.
Shots of Sir William Cosgrove being wheeled in, and at play with Roderick, and some other gentlemen.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I made Sir William Cosgrove's acquaintance as usual at the play-table. One could not but admire the spirit and gallantry with which he pursued his favorite pastime; for, though worn out with gout and a myriad of diseases, a cripple wheeled about in a chair, and suffering pangs of agony, yet you would see him every morning, and every evening at his post behind the delightful green cloth.
SIR WILLIAM
Hang it, Mr. Roderick James, you have no more manners than a barber, and I think my black footman has been better educated than you; but you are a young fellow of originality and pluck, and I like you, sir. because you seem determined to go to the devil by a way of your own.
Laughter at the table.
RODERICK
I am obliged to observe, Sir William Cosgrove, that since you are bound for the next world much sooner than I am, I will depend on you to get comfortable quarters arranged for me.
Laughter.
SIR WILLIAM
Indeed, you are right, sir. Look at me. Marriage has added forty years to my life. I am dying, a worn-out cripple, at the age of fifty. When I took off Lady Cosgrove, there was no man of my years who looked so young as myself. Fool that I was! I had enough with my pensions, perfect freedom, the best society in Europe -- and I gave up all these, and married and was miserable. Take a warning from me, Mr. Roderick, and stick to the trumps. Do anything, but marry.
RODERICK
Would you have me spend my life all alone?
SIR WILLIAM
In truth, sir, yes, but, if you must marry, then marry a virtuous drudge.
RODERICK
(laughing)
The milkmaid's daughter?
SIR WILLIAM
Well, why not a milkmaid's daughter? No man of sense need restrict himself or deny himself a single amusement for his wife's sake; on the contrary, if he selects the animal properly, he will choose such a one as shall be no bar to his pleasure, but a comfort in his hours of annoyance. For instance, I have got the gout; who tends me? A hired valet who robs me whenever he has the power. My wife never comes near me. What friend have I? None in the wide world. Men of the world, as you and I are, don't make friends, and we are fools for our pains.
Polite laughter at the table.
SIR WILLIAM
My lady is a weak woman, but she is my mistress. She is a fool, but she has got the better of one of the best heads in Christendom. She is enormously rich, but somehow I have never been so poor, as since I married her. I thought to better myself, and she has made me miserable and killed me, and she will do as much for my successor when I'm gone.
There is a reflective silence at the table.
RODERICK
Has her ladyship a very large income?
This question causes Sir William to burst out into a yelling laugh, joined by the rest of the table, and makes Roderick blush not a little at his gaucherie.
A beautiful scene, lit by the flambeaux, held by a dozen footmen. A small orchestra, playing in a Temple of Love, some dancers, people gambling and lounging along a line of trees.
Roderick approaches the Countess.
RODERICK (V.O.)
Despite my friend's strong warning. I resolves to become acquainted with his lady. Sir William Cosgrove was dying. His widow would be a rich prize. Why should I not win her, and, with her, the means of making in the world that figure which my genius and inclination desired? When I determine, I look upon the thing as done.
RODERICK
Charming lady, tell me the truth and earn my gratitude. Have you a lover?
The countess laughs.
COUNTESS
No.
RODERICK
Have you had one?
COUNTESS
Never.
RODERICK
But, for a time... a passing fancy?
COUNTESS
Not even that.
RODERICK
How can I believe that there is not a man who has inspired desires in you?
COUNTESS
Not one.
RODERICK
Have you not a man whom you value?
COUNTESS
That man has, perhaps, not yet been born.
RODERICK
What! You have not met a man worthy of your attention?
COUNTESS
Many worthy of attention; but valuing is something more. I could value only someone whom I loved.
RODERICK
Then you have never loved? Your heart is empty.
COUNTESS
Your word "empty" makes me laugh. Is it fortunate, or unfortunate? If it is fortunate, I congratulate myself. If it is unfortunate, I do not care, for I am not aware of it.
RODERICK
It is nonetheless a misfortune, and you will know it when you love.
COUNTESS
But if, when I love, I am unhappy, I will know that my empty heart was my good fortune.
RODERICK
That is true, but it seems to me impossible that you should be unhappy in love.
COUNTESS
It is only too possible. Love requires a mutual harmony which is difficult, and it is even more difficult to make it last.
RODERICK
I agree; but God put us on earth to take that risk.
COUNTESS
A man may need to do that, and find it amusing; but a girl is bound by other laws.