The Village Coquette | Page 4

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, he's coming to the garden to speak to me. Let's continue. I played the na?ve and tender. Now to play the dreamer.
(Enter Argon.)
Argon Yes, Lisette is going to return. (he turns to look closely at her) How pretty she is, dreaming. How many charms I see. She sighs. Good! I feel that she is for me. What are you dreaming of?
(Lisette, after having let Argon look her over, pretends to be astonished to see Argon so near her.)
Lisette Oh! You've startled me so! I was dreaming--that I have so much freedom--suddenly in the garden.
Argon That's what charmed me. You've already told me, not that I am loved, but that you will soon love me.
Lisette I am confused by what you are thinking. I ask pardon. To love you would be to lack respect for you.
Argon Lack respect? Yes, I intend to. A