The Village Coquette | Page 7

What naivete.
Widow (angry that Lisette has not fallen into the trap) What do I hear?
Baron What? Your tears, your sighs?
Lisette Were lies.
Argon I know my neighbor. Without a doubt, it is a dream that he has seen you in tears and heaving sighs. At his age, while sleeping, these are pleasant notions.
Baron But, I haven't dreamed what you have written.
Lisette It's my father, and Madame is there to tell you so.
Widow I am enraged.
Argon I know Lucas is ambitious. He prefers your wealth; for you're worth more to him. But, besides, I believe her--what likelihood is there that Lisette, who always says what she thinks, has spoken to you of love, when she loves me?
Lisette What are you saying, sir? I have believed, in good faith, that you spoke in jest that you love me; but this joke is not true.
Argon Eh--what?
Widow (aside, delighted) What is her plan? Does she dream, or is it I who dream?
Argon It's in vain that you still think the secret is necessary. (to Baron) We made a secret of our love. (to Lisette) Speak, I permit you to speak freely.
Lisette If you permit me to speak freely, I don't love you.
Widow She's frank enough about that.
Argon How indignant I am!
Baron By God, I've my revenge.
Argon But, I understand nothing. Speak clearly, I wish it. Tell them that you intended to manage us both.
Lisette I had no intention of managing either of you, I assure you, and you can see it quite well.
Widow That's speaking plainly.
Lisette For, hold on, I prefer my liberty, a hundred times, to all your grand honors and quality. To be the wife of a great lord, I would be a servant. As for your kindnesses, of which I am cognizant, pardon me if I refuse them. In a word, both of you wish to marry me, but I will never marry either one of you.
Baron There's your dismissal.
Argon It is also yours.
Baron I cannot recover from my astonishment.
Argon Leave her, forget her, that's sufficient to punish her.
Baron Well said. No more love.
Argon Yes, we scorn Lisette
Baron (to Widow) She has a hundred thousand francs which I still regret.
Widow (low) Keep it up your sleeve. We are going to speak to her.
Argon (low) Madame.
Widow Well, sir?
Argon Would you go get a notary to come to your house? We are going to conclude our business instantly.
(Argon exits.)
Widow (to Baron, low) He abandons her, for you that's the main thing. I am going to rid you of a rival.
Baron No, I don’t understand at all.
Widow Neither do I. But, prudence dictates that one go in the greatest hurry.
(Exit Baron and Widow. Argon returns from the other side, and looks to see if the Widow sees him.)
Lisette (dreaming, alone) I think--yes, from what I've seen, I've done well, I believe. When they are with me, by themselves, as they will be, I will know what to do to have them back.
Argon (aside) The Widow is already far away. Let's Let's penetrate this mystery. From scorn, I have banished all animosity. I return solely from curiosity, to see what reasons you will have to give me.
Lisette Permit me to laugh, seeing you so angry. What? Didn't you see what my plan was?
Argon (enraged) No, I didn't see it, and all subterfuge is in vain.
Lisette I told the Baron the truth, without ruse or subterfuge, for fear he would continue in his mistake. I didn't wish to deceive him.
Argon (still enraged) I understand perfectly. But, why speak to me as to him? To refuse me? Me? Me?
Lisette Let's talk about him first. You see me delighted. I have punished that liar the way I have quite wanted to.
Argon (still enraged) But me, me?
Lisette Patience. He wanted to marry me today, and my father is on his side. And you wanted the jealous Widow to see that I love you and will marry you. If they knew that I can love you they would get me locked up.
Argon Ha! Ha!
Lisette Truly, I would have completely spoiled the mystery. You told me yourself before to keep quiet.
Argon You've done very properly. Yes, you're right, and I am the fool. To deceive the Baron--yes, I see the pretence is prudent and useful.
Lisette I believe, too, well done, at least.
Argon How charming Lisette is. I am not blind, I see clearly that Lisette prefers me to a far richer man. What love! What wit!
Lisette I have no wit. Love has added to my customary want of it.
Argon We must secretly--
Lisette Yes, but let's separate. I will go alone, in secret, to your place for a short while.
Argon Without your father--
Lisette He's coming. Leave me, for I tremble if the Baron and he should see us together.
(Exit Argon. Enter Lucas and the Baron.)
Lisette (aside) Here I am sure of one, but