Rêveur L’Amoureux Dialogue Sample #4

SCENE: DR. STEADMAN has discovered the true identity of ELISABETH, the subject of MARTIN ALDRED's highly prized painting. He has already called Martin to come out to his house where he plans to reveal the truth. However, Elisabeth makes an unscheduled appearance first.

STEADMAN
Welcome.

Elisabeth glances about suspiciously. She slowly advances toward Steadman.

ELISABETH
(Slightly vicious)
You’ve been expecting me?

STEADMAN
(Impassive)
I’ve been expecting something. At first, I was worried it might have been Martin. I’m glad to see that I was wrong.

ELISABETH
Not that it will do you any good.

STEADMAN
Perhaps not. But let me ask you something. Why are you doing these terrible things again, Miss Luvoir?

ELISABETH
So… you do know who I am.

STEADMAN
I know who you were… and what did over a hundred-fifty years ago.
(Beat)
You still haven’t answered my question.

ELISABETH
I must. The others were nothing. But you… you are a threat to me.

STEADMAN
Because I can show Martin what you are?

ELISABETH
Yes. And that is something I cannot allow. It would… spoil the romance.

STEADMAN
(Angry)
What do you know about romance? Any man who has ever loved you, or tried to love you, has died!

ELISABETH
Yes. And I’m afraid that is something that neither you nor I can do anything about…

Elisabeth closes in for the kill. She begins to laugh slightly and sinisterly.

©2004 David W. Dietz III