Girard The horses will soon be here at your orders. Wait for them here. Hola, lackey, hola, some chairs. (Lackeys enter with chairs. Lucas exchanges greetings with the Baron and seats himself first.) Lucas Let's not have any manners while I'm here. Baron Let's talk about our business. Lucas (not replying) I've got a great idea just now. Baron We were discussing-- Lucas In seeing me, all Paris is going to feast me. The one who won the Grand Prize. Baron Before you leave-- Lucas All the world will be beggars except me, because my wealth will divert me. While I am in the grain, I am going to see people cry famine. What a pleasure! Baron Then, Lucas, do you intend to reach a conclusion for my ardent love? Lucas They're going to propose to me some pretty expenses, pretty horses, and pretty families to marry into. This business will increase wealth. I'll buy whatever's for sale. Girard But, to ennoble you, you would have a gentleman for a son-in-law. Baron Lisette is waiting for us. Lucas I'll have all this, indeed, for when one is very rich, one attracts all that for nothing. Baron You promised me-- Lucas (with an important air) Huh! Baron To finish-- Lucas What? Baron Our business. Lucas What business? Baron Ours, I have had the notary there, to write the contract. He's waiting only for you. We are agreed between us. Lucas Ah, I believe that I remember something of it. Damn, when one has so much business, one thinks only of the best. Yes, we spoke of marriage, but it cannot be. There's only, but a bit-- Girard What do I hear? What, then, you already intend to disown it? Baron Remember, Lucas, that I was your master. Girard Lucas, remember that there's great honor, a handsome alliance to have a lord for a son-in-law. Lucas Oh, it's money which makes the best marriages. Baron What, you no longer intend? Lucas I want no part of your lineage. Baron What? Lucas But, it's necessary to listen to me. I am a native of this hamlet. That means, that from friendship, I love your earth, your chateau. Yet, it's not mine if you become my son-in-law. My opinion is it would be better if you sold it to me. Baron You're joking, I believe. Sell you my chateau? Lucas It is all dilapidated, but I will make a lot of improvements. Baron He's gone crazy. Girard (low) This rascal scorns you. Lucas The land will ennoble me. That's what I want of you. While at Paris I increase my money, you keep the land fallow. Girard You will be his farmer. Baron (rising) This is too much insolence. Girard (to Baron) Sir, calm down. I promise you revenge. Lucas (aside, also rising) This little gentleman, he heard all that. He owes money everywhere, but he believes he is to be respected. But, I will have his chateau. He'd better leave. He has some creditors. I will have it through the law. Girard (after having spoken low to the Baron) We have done all, sir, for your good. But to revenge yourself, better say nothing. (Enter Lisette.)