The Village Coquette by Charles Riviere Dufresny


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Page 12

Baron
What? Haven't you said a hundred times that you love me?

Lisette
Me? No.

Argon (charmed)
What naivete.

Widow (angry that Lisette has not fallen into the trap)
What do I hear?

Baron
What? Your tears, your sighs?

Lisette
Were lies.

Argon
I know my neighbor. Without a doubt, it is a dream that he has seen
you in tears and heaving sighs. At his age, while sleeping, these are
pleasant notions.

Baron
But, I haven't dreamed what you have written.

Lisette
It's my father, and Madame is there to tell you so.

Widow
I am enraged.

Argon
I know Lucas is ambitious. He prefers your wealth; for you're worth
more to him. But, besides, I believe her--what likelihood is there
that Lisette, who always says what she thinks, has spoken to you of
love, when she loves me?

Lisette
What are you saying, sir? I have believed, in good faith, that you
spoke in jest that you love me; but this joke is not true.

Argon
Eh--what?

Widow (aside, delighted)
What is her plan? Does she dream, or is it I who dream?

Argon
It's in vain that you still think the secret is necessary. (to Baron)
We made a secret of our love. (to Lisette) Speak, I permit you to
speak freely.

Lisette
If you permit me to speak freely, I don't love you.

Widow
She's frank enough about that.

Argon
How indignant I am!

Baron
By God, I've my revenge.

Argon
But, I understand nothing. Speak clearly, I wish it. Tell them that
you intended to manage us both.

Lisette
I had no intention of managing either of you, I assure you, and you
can see it quite well.

Widow
That's speaking plainly.

Lisette
For, hold on, I prefer my liberty, a hundred times, to all your grand
honors and quality. To be the wife of a great lord, I would be a
servant. As for your kindnesses, of which I am cognizant, pardon me if
I refuse them. In a word, both of you wish to marry me, but I will
never marry either one of you.

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Books | Photos | Paul Mutton | Thu 23rd Oct 2025, 14:28