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Page 3
Lucas
Not necessary to say he's a stupid, because all the world knows it
well. But Lisette can hear us. Come on, daughter, come on. Madame and
I were talking about how your wit satisfies her. She said you were so
subtle, said you were so knowing.
(Enter Lisette, listening.)
Lisette (pretending naivete)
Father, I don't know what she thinks of me.
Lucas
So much the worse, my daughter, so much the worse.
Widow
Today, you've joined some ornament to your simple country dress.
Lisette
It's to please the Baron, as you advised me. I am making myself over
to be loved. I am obedient, and I intend, to please you, that he marry
me quickly. So, that's why I added to my costume today.
Widow
You'd have made him love you, that's already done. But to make him
marry you, you must double dose him with sighs, looks and little
manners. Put to work my recent lessons. We shall try to please at
first by simple attractions. A little affectation, lowering your gaze,
being quiet, appearing embarrassed. A cold blooded man, seeing a great
deal of simpering, will believe less what he sees. He will suspect,
examine, and discover the pretence. But, when the dupe is taken--be
affected without fear. The grossest kinds of affectation, far from
quelling, charm his passions, and he seeks out the beauty of nature.
Lucas
I don't understand half your fine preaching. (dumbfounded) But what
you say must be good, for you amaze.
Widow
Lisette understand perfectly.
Lisette
Not so much as you think. You have taught me well, speaking to me of
these looks which make women so refined. But I am not so refined. I
cannot do as they do.
Widow
Oh, you will go far. You know how to please, and how to pretend.
Lisette
You deceive yourself. I contradict myself in no respect. I please the
Baron without feigning to please him. If he is deceived, I can never
be. When I speak contrary to my thought, one can see in my manner that
I am embarrassed.
Widow
The Baron could, by a tender turn about, mention again the contract he
made the other day. He is changeable, peevish in his tenderness. Think
to profit by his day of weakness. Has he promised again today?
Lisette
Alas, no.
Widow
He must have thought it over. It's his day to be reasonable, his good
day. But we will recapture him. To make him sign, it's only needful to
make him wait. If something can hasten this happy day, it's pretence.
Pretend a violent love.
Lisette
Alas, I will pretend badly.
Widow
Then, I am uneasy. I intend to marry as much as Lisette. Monsieur
Argon occupies me and I am going to see him. If he keeps his word, it
will be all over today. (exits)
Lucas
You must pretend the widder lady says, and you don't know how to
pretend a pretense. You say everything that comes into your head and
that's a mistake. Have the virtue to lie a bit. You don't know how,
and that upsets me.
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