STERN

Aurelio was disinherited after his father perceived him as a rival in love, so the estate passed to his younger brother, Careless. As a result, Littlegood the usurer no longer considers Aurelio an eligible son-in-law; but Valeria, Aurelio’s girlfriend, is determined to stick with him despite the material disadvantages. Careless has capitalized his inheritance by mortgaging the lands to Littlegood; intending to use his wealth to acquire the reputation of being a fine companion, he has taken up with Captain Whibble and his crew of drinkers. Littlegood favours Spruce as a husband for Valeria. Spruce is really only interested in sex, and intends to jilt her afterwards; but her refusal only increases his interest. Aurelio sends Valeria his ring, but she drops it; Spruce finds it and uses it to make Aurelio jealous. Aurelio had planned a ruse whereby Valeria would feign madness, but now he intends to drive her truly mad. Reports of her distress bring him back to his senses: he confronts Spruce and makes him admit that the accusation against her was malicious and mendacious. Dotario, appalled at his nephew Careless’s prodigality, plans to marry and beget an heir so that the young wastrel will not get his hands on a second estate. He woos Littlegood’s younger daughter, Aemilia, who puts him off by describing what a shrewish spendthrift of a wife she would be. She is more interested in Careless, who pays her a drunken visit, but is pressured by her father into giving Dotario a more respectful answer. She tells him she has vowed only to marry a man who will steal her, and makes a date to elope with him. Importuned by his wife, Littlegood allows his son Lackwit to go out to dinner in his best hat and cloak, and gives him money. He seeks to join Captain Whibble’s drinking brotherhood; but Whibble tricks him into swapping clothes and paying the bill. He explains to his parents that he lost his hat and cloak in a fight. Whibble proves to be a coward, and avoids fighting a duel when provoked by Fido; instead, he invites Fido and Aurelio to supper. Aurelio is too upset over Valeria to go, so instead Fido takes Careless in disguise. The impecunious Whibble cannot pay for the meal and postpones it; but Fido tricks him into insulting Careless, not knowing him to be present. Careless next disguises himself as Dotario and tricks Lackwit into believing that Dotario, eloping as arranged, is the impostor; Lackwit ensures that Careless and Aemilia are married, hoping to win back…