The Village Coquette | Page 4

if you
were her daughter.
Lisette Can I do otherwise? I said no, at first. I really would have
preferred not to wrong her. But she has given me lessons in fortune
hunting. I've got to take advantage of my youth like others. The other
lesson she gave me recently was to love at first for one's profit. I love
the Widow, but--
Lucas But, you are able to love what profits you? These lessons are her
own fault, and she deserves it.
Lisette I'm in despair. At bottom, I have a good heart. I would prefer
for her to marry the Baron.
Lucas Yes, for he's more rich and you will gain by the change. In the
case of the three lovers, here's how it goes: The Baron's worth more
than Argon, he's got six times his money. Argon's better, worth more
than Girard, and Girard's better than nothing.
Lisette He's like nothing, yes, but with respect to the other two, we will
keep your plans and mine secret.
Lucas Yes, better to be secret. For these two good spouses won't be
married, if they know about each other.
Lisette The Baron's returning.
Lucas Yes, I am going to do what you told me.
Lisette Pretend to be enraged. We must see if he will marry me.
(Enter Baron.)
Lucas Oh, that's definitive. He'll marry you to death, for he looks
thoughtful.
Baron Lucas intends to leave me. This disturbs me. How can I bear not
to see Lisette any more?
Lisette (after having spoken low) Yell very loud, then leave without
speaking to him.
Lucas (loud so that the Baron hears) Yes, I intend to leave our master,
and I'm going to start going about it.
Lisette (pretending to be very angry to leave the Baron) No! Don't
leave him!
Lucas I have told him, and I am no traitor. I've told him of it a while
ago, and I'm going.

Lisette To leave to find a master!
Lucas As you are growing up, it's a cruelty to stay here. In a village,
you lose your time and your beauty. You can merchandise your youth
better in the Paris marriage market. Yes, I will take you to Paris, and
very soon, because time presses. Although a vertigo irritates me
momentarily, what I want is only reasonable, and I shall be as bold as
brass. (pushing his hat onto his head and passing before the Baron) I
am upset to leave him, but death, I shall console myself. (exits)
Baron He was very abrupt with me on a frivolous subject. Has he gone
crazy? What can he intend to do?
Lisette (twisting her handkerchief) I will never see you any more. I am
in despair.
Baron There's always some shadow maiming fortune.
Lisette He's wrong, for, sir, I see what he is hoping.
Baron He would suddenly become a great lord.
Lisette (looking tenderly at the Baron) Yes, to see me a great lady, and
that is my misfortune. He imagines something that can't be. The
daughter of a farmer is not for his master.
Baron You will be with me as if you were my own child.
Lisette Oh, sir, that's not what he has in mind.
Baron I believe he intends to pay me less rent.
Lisette He intends something far different.
Baron Yes, what a repayment.
Lisette (starting to cry) No, that's not what one day you said; that day
you were full of love for me. You intended, you said, to write a
promise. You no longer love me!
Baron That day was like today. My feelings were full for you. I love
you, Lisette.
Lisette And, if I still must leave?
Baron Of my love, you will have a sure pledge. A contract.
Lisette (stopping her tears) Today?
Baron A marriage contract. It's already written. I did it right away, first
thing. Second thing is to sign.
Lisette You won't sign it?
Baron I will sign.
Lisette But, when? For my father is taking me off. He is so proud.
Baron My word is reliable.

Lisette I believe you, but my father--
Baron Yes, I will give you my oath.
Lisette (crying again) Don't swear to me. I believe you already. But my
father--
Baron I will go appease him. I swear to you.
Lisette (crying and holding him by the arm) No, he's going to take me
off. Of that I am sure.
Baron No, no. I am going to keep Lucas.
Lisette (pretending to be outré with rage against him) It's I who wish to
leave, because you don't love me!
(Exit Baron.)
Lisette (suddenly stops crying) No--this is only a deceiver, who thinks
me innocent. I must soon take my relative, the Widow's, lover. He has
no wealth. That's my last resource. But,