The Village Coquette | Page 6

my wife. But, what am I saying? I ought to remember,
Madame-- (ironically) that you don't give Lisettes to Girards. As I am
only a tax collector, I ought through respect for you, her, and myself, to
let her marry your lover.
Widow At her age, to manage, under my eyes, three lovers at the same
time! Coquettes of Paris and coquettes of the country--some ready
language, some trickery. My word, all is equal for coquetry.
Girard (ironically) You intended to give her to some great lord.
Widow Ah, I will give her to the devil, with all my heart.
Girard I beg you for preference over him at least.
Widow So be it but at least provide me some confidence that you will
succeed.
Girard You know all. We must lure our credulous, stupid, avaricious,
and amorous Baron with this false lottery into offering Lisette marriage,

and if she accepts, for Argon to see she's engaged.
Widow Lisette ought to give up Argon for the Baron. The Baron is rich
and the trick is so good.
Girard Yes, but I mustn't lose Lisette.
Widow If Argon is undeceived, I will be satisfied.
Girard May he see her half-married to the Baron.
Widow Completely married, if necessary.
Girard Completely? Hell, no!
Widow He's coming.
Girard My insurance which I well know how to use--
(Enter Baron. Girard presents a packet to the Baron.)
Girard I am returning from the post office and I have the honor to give
the gentleman what he asked me to bring.
(Exit Girard.)
Baron (to Widow) Neighbor, my love is going to make me despair.
Lisette intends to leave.
Widow I take the place of mother to her. I guarantee her tender, wise,
and sincere. You don't know how much she is worth. She wants a
contract, that's her only fault. And, you don't wish to make one.
Baron I intend to marry her. Who told you otherwise? But, to do such a
thing, the later the better. I will marry when I am much older.
Widow Eh! You are old enough, sir, for a wife.
Baron I am very irresolute. I blame myself for it. Ha, ha, good, this
letter is from one of my friends. It's for the lottery we've all subscribed
to.
Widow Is it, then, published?
Baron Yes, exactly. It's the list.
Widow I am sure to win. A physiognomist has seen great sums of
money on my face. What I must do, he told me, to earn it, is to buy a
lottery. It's the most prompt way to win for a wise woman.
Baron Hum! Hum! I know, by heart, the puzzle of each. The numbers,
the names, I don't see one. Let's read-- Ah!
Widow What's the matter?
Baron Something I see irritates me.
Widow What is it, then? From where does this sudden dolor come?
Baron Lucas: one hundred thousand francs.
Widow To the farmer, the Grand Prize? But, let's see. Reread it. Is it,

indeed, his name? Lucas?
Baron I am not the master of my scorn.
Widow Grand Prize to Lucas? You are ruining us, traitor.
Baron To Lucas, the Grand Prize.
Widow You won't allow it. Oh, Fate, unjust Fate, that Lucas be
enriched.
Baron I cannot recover. His good fortune desolates me.
Widow (pretending a quick thought, accompanied by joy) But, let us
rejoice and laugh.
Baron Are you crazy?
Widow No, at first we both had a stupid inspiration. It's surprised us.
Baron Well?
Widow You are angry that chance has just enriched Lisette's fortune.
Fortune, on the contrary, is favoring you. It has determined to make
you happy.
Baron Oh, oh!
Widow For the money, and without any love, these days, the most
noble marry Lisettes.
Baron Right, one hundred thousand francs would pay off my debts.
This motive and love will excuse all.
Widow Yes, but you must marry instantly, before this lottery becomes
known. This is delicacy. She will believe she owes your tenderness
more. Lucas will get the Grand Prize, but while he is unaware of it, the
fool must be taken, so that he gives all his wealth to Lisette. Wealth,
present and to come.
Baron Yes, but be discreet. I will say that I am taking Lisette without a
sou.
Widow The joke is that everybody will believe you're a fool.
(Enter Lisette.)
Baron Here, Lisette, here.
(The Widow goes to find Lisette, who listens from the depths of the
theatre.)
Widow Your fortune is made, Lisette. It is I who am procuring it. Hug
me, Lisette.
Baron Your tears have softened me, Lisette. I surrender. Let's sign the
contract as quickly as I can inform the notary.
Lisette (aside, while the Widow and the Baron talk in low voices) Do

they wish to deceive me? For I understand