ERAS. But in talking thus you do not seem to think that there is still occasion for manslaughter here. Our loves are indeed crowned, but who ought to obtain the hand of Marinette, his Mascarille or my Gros-René? This affair must end in blood. MASC. No, no, my blood suits my body too well; let him marry her in peace, it will be nothing to me. I know Marinette too well to think marriage will be any bar to my courting her. MAR. And do you think I will make my gallant of you? A husband does not matter; anything will do for that. We do not stand, then, upon so much ceremony; but a gallant should be well made enough to make one's mouth water. GR.-RE. Listen! When we are united by marriage, I insist that you should turn a deaf ear to all sparks. MASC. Do you think, brother, to marry her for yourself alone? GR.-RE. Of course; I will have a virtuous wife, or else I shall kick up a fine row. MASC. Ah! lack-a-day, you shall do as others, and become more gentle. Those people who are so severe and critical before marriage, often degenerate into pacific husbands. MAR. Make yourself easy, my dear husband, and do not have the least fear about my fidelity; flattery will produce no impression on me, and I shall tell you everything. MASC. Oh! what a cunning wench to make of a husband a confidant. MAR. Hold your tongue, you knave of clubs. [Footnote: The original has _as de pique_, and different commentators have of course given various explanations. But why, says M. Despois, should Marinette, who appears to be fond of cards, not call people by names derived from her favourite game? She calls Gros-René in another place _beau valet de carreau_.] ALB. For the third time, I say, let us go home, and continue at leisure such an agreeable conversation. * * * * *