The Village Coquette; Or, The Supposed LotteryDufresny, Charles Rivière
General
The Village Coquette; Or, The Supposed Lottery
Dufresny, Charles Rivière
Comedy plays; French drama -- 18th century -- Translations into English
Baron
There's your dismissal.
Argon
It is also yours.
Baron
I cannot recover from my astonishment.
Argon
Leave her, forget her, that's sufficient to punish her.
Baron
Well said. No more love.
Argon
Yes, we scorn Lisette
Baron (to Widow)
She has a hundred thousand francs which I still regret.
Widow (low)
Keep it up your sleeve. We are going to speak to her.
Argon (low)
Madame.
Widow
Well, sir?
Argon
Would you go get a notary to come to your house? We are going to
conclude our business instantly.
(Argon exits.)
Widow (to Baron, low)
He abandons her, for you that's the main thing. I am going to rid you
of a rival.
Baron
No, I dont understand at all.
Widow
Neither do I. But, prudence dictates that one go in the greatest
hurry.
(Exit Baron and Widow. Argon returns from the other side, and looks to
see if the Widow sees him.)
Lisette (dreaming, alone)
I think--yes, from what I've seen, I've done well, I believe. When
they are with me, by themselves, as they will be, I will know what to
do to have them back.
Argon (aside)
The Widow is already far away. Let's Let's penetrate this mystery. From
scorn, I have banished all animosity. I return solely from curiosity,
to see what reasons you will have to give me.
Lisette
Permit me to laugh, seeing you so angry. What? Didn't you see what my
plan was?
Argon (enraged)
No, I didn't see it, and all subterfuge is in vain.
Lisette
I told the Baron the truth, without ruse or subterfuge, for fear he
would continue in his mistake. I didn't wish to deceive him.
Argon (still enraged)
I understand perfectly. But, why speak to me as to him? To refuse me?
Me? Me?
Lisette
Let's talk about him first. You see me delighted. I have punished that
liar the way I have quite wanted to.
Argon (still enraged)
But me, me?
Lisette
Patience. He wanted to marry me today, and my father is on his side.
And you wanted the jealous Widow to see that I love you and will marry
you. If they knew that I can love you they would get me locked up.
Argon
Ha! Ha!
Lisette
Truly, I would have completely spoiled the mystery. You told me
yourself before to keep quiet.
Argon
You've done very properly. Yes, you're right, and I am the fool. To
deceive the Baron--yes, I see the pretence is prudent and useful.
Lisette
I believe, too, well done, at least.
Argon
How charming Lisette is. I am not blind, I see clearly that Lisette
prefers me to a far richer man. What love! What wit!
Lisette
I have no wit. Love has added to my customary want of it.
Argon
We must secretly--
Lisette
Yes, but let's separate. I will go alone, in secret, to your place for
a short while.
Argon
Without your father--
Lisette
He's coming. Leave me, for I tremble if the Baron and he should see us
together.
(Exit Argon. Enter Lucas and the Baron.)
Lisette (aside)
Here I am sure of one, but he's my second choice. Let's retake the
other one. He's back to speak to me.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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