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Page 19
ACT III
Argon is trying to avoid showing himself to the Widow, who grabs him
by the arm.
Widow
I will prove it all to you. Can you doubt it? But, stay one minute, at
least to listen to me.
Argon
Time presses. I have Lisette and the notary together. If Lucas appears
I will finish the business. In love, moments are precious to an older
person.
Widow
If you marry, a quarter of an hour later, you will have time to be
tired of Lisette and to repent a foolish act. Pardon the word, it's
from friendship for you. My zeal is not mixed with any jealous
transport. Better if you never marry me or the coquette. Be undeceived
and I will be satisfied. Eh--can you remain blind. I will prove to both
you and the Baron how she trapped you at once reconciling, by the same
management, traitorous simplicity and na�ve lies. By the cleverest
tricks and the most lively manners, she's figured out how to get love
without giving any. She cold-bloodedly talks in the most tender way
and pretends with effrontery to be timidly embarrassed. Tears which go
right to the heart and which bother her not at all. She abuses his
weakness and yours. In offering you one hand, she gives him the other.
Thus a French coquette delivers perfidy with both hands, and if she
needs it will find another hand for a third.
Argon
You've said it twenty times. But for the hundredth time, you still
must prove it.
Widow
Speak low. I see the Baron and Lucas. Keep aside and you will perhaps
be able to see that not only Lucas prefers his master to you, but also
Lisette.
Argon
Let's see. I would be undeceived.
(Argon goes to the side. Enter Girard.)
Widow
Well?
Girard
Lucas is occupied with his Grand Prize.
Widow
But, does the Baron intend to marry--
Girard
Patience. I am given all the rents in advance. For it is I, who have
managed all. Lucas is metamorphosized into a great lord. Since he has
seen the lottery, his sudden riches trouble his head, and have changed
his type. He has nothing human remaining except his form and his
pride. Grave, deciding with a wink of his eye, disdaining to speak or
speaking by sentence. He believes people applaud his silence. Saluting
with his big head, puffed up, swollen, Lucas has become subtly
inflated with a contagious disease. He can be seen thrusting his paunch
two steps ahead of himself.
Widow
In that case, Girard, we must-- But Lisette is running this way. Mr.
Argon is following her. Things aren't turning out right.
Girard
No.
Widow
I am going to join Argon right away. Amuse these two here.
Girard
All that one plans, does not succeed.
(Exit Widow. Lucas is walking in grandly. The Baron, hat in hand,
follows Lucas, who puts his hat back on first.)
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