Worthy I will leave momentarily. Tell me, I beg you-- Albert Since you chatter so emotionally, I am going to listen to you attentively. (to Jenny and Arabella) Go in, go in. Jenny Sir-- Albert Eh! Go in, I tell you. Worthy I'd rather retire than be the cause of Madame suffering the least inconvenience on my account. Arabella No, sir, stay till tomorrow. Postpone going on your way, and we will put you in good company. The roads are unlucky and filthy. Albert So much ceremony! Come, quickly--go in. Jenny Yes, yes, I'm going in. But, before these gentlemen, I tell you plainly to stop the humiliations you impose on us. We haven't seen even the shadow of a hat for six months in this new fangled cloister. Any man who comes around here is interdicted. Everything in this house is subject to inspection. Sometimes we think the world has come to an end. No one comes her except they be of the female sex. Judge if a girl in this situation has cause to complain. Albert (putting his hand over her mouth and forcing her inside) Ah, I will tear out your viper's tongue. (Exit Jenny and Arabella.) Albert (aside) I don't want to go back in so soon. Their complaints and their tears might move me, perhaps. (aloud) What's the problem? Speak! But, above all, be brief. Worthy I am truly annoyed that, on account of me, your daughter has received such unworthy treatment. Albert What do you mean, my daughter? Worthy Is she your wife then? Albert She soon will be. Worthy My soul is ravished. You couldn't form a better plan. And you do well to get that viper in hand. All husbands ought to do as you do. Women today are such coquettes. Albert I intend to rule the roost, and not follow the manners of these times. Scratch Oh, may you do better! I am so crazy about women and I am delighted when good souls make use of a little authority from time to time. Albert (aside) This boy pleases me; he speaks sensibly. Worthy As for me, I see nothing blamable. For a man, without ever being bothered by suspicions, to be lulled by the promise of a woman, to count tranquilly on her frail virtue--believing that God has made a woman faithful--for him alone--is to be a fool. It's necessary to be watchful at all times. When she scolds, cry louder still--and despite all the precautions which love causes a man to take--the more refined he is--the bigger the dupe. Albert We are a little devious about these matters--which could easily trap me. Each day I invent some crafty way of defeating their trickery and finesse. My word, you'd be wasting your time. Gentlemen, the defenders of women, debonair husbands, soft courtiers, powdered blondes--and all those who are searching the town for a woman whose husband gives them easy access--tell everybody I'm a brute, a jealous husband. In the depth of my heart, I laugh at them.