HAR. She is right. A foolish speech deserves a foolish answer. I beg your pardon, my love, for the impertinence of my son. He is a silly young fellow, who has not yet learnt the value of his own words. MAR. I assure you that he has not at all offended me. I am thankful, on the contrary, that he has spoken so openly. I care greatly for such a confession from him, and if he had spoken differently, I should feel much less esteem for him. HAR. It is very kind of you to excuse him thus. Time will make him wiser, and you will see that his feelings will change. CLE. No, father, they will never change; and I earnestly beg of you, Madam, to believe me. HAR. Did ever anybody see such folly? He is becoming worse and worse. CLE. Would you have me false to my inmost feelings? HAR. Again! Change your manners, if you please. CLE. Very well, since you wish me to speak differently. Allow me, Madam, to take for a moment my father's place; and forgive me if I tell you that I never saw in the world anybody more charming than you are; that I can understand no happiness to equal that of pleasing you, and that to be your husband is a glory, a felicity, I should prefer to the destinies of the greatest princes upon earth. Yes, Madam, to possess you is, in my mind, to possess the best of all treasures; to obtain you is all my ambition. There is nothing I would not do for so precious a conquest, and the most powerful obstacles ... HAR. Gently, gently, my son, if you please. CLE. These are complimentary words which I speak to her in your name. HAR. Bless me! I have a tongue of my own to explain my feelings, and I really don't care for such an advocate as you... Here, bring us some chairs. FRO. No; I think it is better for us to go at once to the fair, in order to be back earlier, and have plenty of time for talking. HAR. (_to_ BRINDAVOINE). Have the carriage ready at once. SCENE XII.--HARPAGON, MARIANNE, ÉLISE, CLÉANTE, VALÈRE, FROSINE. HAR. (_to_ MARIANNE). I hope you will excuse me, my dear, but I forgot to order some refreshments for you, before you went out. CLE. I have thought of it, father, and have ordered to be brought in here some baskets of China oranges, sweet citrons, and preserves, which I sent for in your name. HAR. (_aside, to_ VALÈRE). Valère! VAL. (_aside, to_ HARPAGON). He has lost his senses! CLE. You are afraid, father, that it will not be enough? I hope, Madam, that you will have the kindness to excuse it. MAR. It was by no means necessary. CLE. Did you ever see, Madam, a more brilliant diamond than the one my father has upon his finger? MAR. It certainly sparkles very much. CLE. (_taking the diamond off his father's finger_). You must see it near. MAR. It is a beautiful one; it possesses great lustre. CLE. (_steps before_ MARIANNE, _who wants to restore it_). No, Madam, it is in hands too beautiful; it is a present my father gives you. HAR. I? CLE. Is it not true, father, that you wish her to keep it for your sake?