ERAS. I, however, may, without vanity, believe that I am in her favour. VAL. And I know that I have a very good share of it. ERAS. Do not deceive yourself; believe me. VAL. Believe me, do not be too credulous, and take too much for granted. ERAS. If I might show you a certain proof that her heart...but no, it would too much distress you. VAL. If I might discover a secret to you...but it might grieve you, and so I will be discreet. ERAS. You really urge me too far, and though much against my will, I see I must lower your presumption. Read that. VAL. (_After having read the letter_). These are tender words. ERAS. You know the handwriting? VAL. Yes, it is Lucile's. ERAS. Well! where is now your boasted certainty...? VAL. (_Smiling and going away_). Farewell, Éraste. GR.-RE. He is mad, surely. What reason has he to laugh? ERAS. He certainly surprises me, and between ourselves I cannot imagine what the deuce of a mystery is hidden under this. GR.-RE. Here comes his servant, I think. ERAS. Yes, it is he; let us play the hypocrite, to set him talking about his master's love. SCENE IV.--ÉRASTE, MASCARILLE, GROS-RENÉ. MASC. (_Aside_). No, I do not know a more wretched situation, than to have a young master, very much in love. GR.-RE. Good morning. MASC. Good morning. GR.-RE. Where is Mascarille going just now? What is he doing? Is he coming back? Is he going away? Or does he intend to stay where he is? MASC. No, I am not coming back, because I have not yet been where I am going; nor am I going, for I am stopped; nor do I design to stay, for this very moment I intend to be gone. ERAS. You are very abrupt, Mascarille; gently. MASC. Ha! Your servant, sir. ERAS. You are in great haste to run away from us: what! do I frighten you? MASC. You are too courteous to do that. ERAS. Shake hands; all jealousy is now at an end between us; we will be friends; I have relinquished my love; henceforth you can have your own way to further your happiness. MASC. Would to Heaven it were true! ERAS. Gros-René knows that I have already another flame elsewhere. GR.-RE. Certainly; and I also give up Marinette to you. MASC. Do not let us touch on that point; our rivalry is not likely to go to such a length. But is it certain, sir, that you are no longer in love, or do you jest? ERAS. I have been informed that your master is but too fortunate in his amours; I should be a fool to pretend any longer to gain the same favours which that lady grants to him alone.