GERONTE: Better to give you no hope when I have none. You hoped to get 40,000 ecus restitution from your aunts. I tell you again, these two extravagants intend to keep that forfeiture, saying you cannot get it from us unless one of us marries. They're both over fifty. It's a joke to believe that will happen. I need money. My wealth is perishing. Expenses are ruining me. So, as a wise man, I ought to go back to the country and contract a marriage that will get me out of this financial trouble. VALERE: True, but-- GERONTE: Let's break it off, then. It's with great shame, but tomorrow we part, that's certain. ISABELLE: Oh, Valere; if I'm under orders from my father, be sure that in parting-- GERONTE: (taking Isabelle by the arm) Let's shorten the goodbyes. When one must leave, the shortest is the best. (Exit Isabelle and Geronte) VALERE: I am in despair. This parting kills me. (Enter Frontin dressed as a cavalier, passing before Valere who is in despair) FRONTIN: Sir. VALERE: What is it then? FRONTIN: It's Fortune greeting you. VALERE: What do I see? FRONTIN: You see Frontin who was wearing livery this morning. VALERE: What are you talking about? Why are you dressed this way? FRONTIN: You will never guess, I bet. VALERE: Whose clothes are you wearing? It's one of mine, I believe. FRONTIN: Could well be, cause it's none of mine. VALERE: And my wig. FRONTIN: Good. Have I bought it. I found this under my hand, quite ready. And your most handsome lace, and largest jewel. VALERE: I've seen you do crazy things before, but nothing touching such insolence. FRONTIN: It's come right on time, sir, this opulence. VALERE: Scoundrel, you've picked a bad time to joke. FRONTIN: I picked my time just right, I dare to boast. To know how to manage times for a master. VALERE: To dare appear like this! FRONTIN: Sir, till now, I've been careful to conceal my scoundrel like and insolent traits. That's why you hired me! Only working first on my own affairs, I have taken care to hide my traits with all necessary skill. You would have prevented me from acting as I have done. To deceive cleverly is virtue in a valet. You will have it that it's a vice in a master. I must tell you you are scrupulous to a fault. What I have done for you was done unknown to you. VALERE: What have you done for me? FRONTIN: It's a mere nothing. I'm working on marrying you to Isabelle. VALERE: Frontin, my dear Frontin. You are working for me. In what way? How? Explain quickly! FRONTIN: Let me explain first how I am to be rewarded. That's how I get to be zealous. If I get your Isabelle for you-- VALERE: Well? FRONTIN: Lace, clothes, diamond. I won't return them. If the outfit is too short, too long, for better or for worse--I get it. As for the diamond. It's made for me. VALERE: I will give you all.