Argon Yes, Lisette is going to return. (he turns to look closely at her) How pretty she is, dreaming. How many charms I see. She sighs. Good! I feel that she is for me. What are you dreaming of? (Lisette, after having let Argon look her over, pretends to be astonished to see Argon so near her.) Lisette Oh! You've startled me so! I was dreaming--that I have so much freedom--suddenly in the garden. Argon That's what charmed me. You've already told me, not that I am loved, but that you will soon love me. Lisette I am confused by what you are thinking. I ask pardon. To love you would be to lack respect for you. Argon Lack respect? Yes, I intend to. A too respectful love obtains nothing. Lisette But, I don't love. Speak more. Encourage me, then. Argon To give you courage, I make a contract. But, complete my wishes. (The Widow enters and listens.) Argon Add a word to your looks, your sighs. This word is a great word. Tell me--"I love you." Lisette I've told you a hundred times--and to myself, a thousand. Argon To yourself? Lisette Alas, yes. Argon What naivete! Lisette Why hide it from you if it is the truth? Argon Behold love. Behold pure sincerity. This calls me to love, like nature. There, Lisette, here's the role I have taken. I intend to take you, in secret, to Paris, for I will, at first, marry you secretly. Let's hide all from the Widow. She would be jealous of it. I will marry you without her knowing anything of it. In her place, in a word, you will have all my wealth. Lisette I want nothing from you, but your person. Give her all your wealth. Argon But, if I give it to her, what will the two of us and our children live on? Lisette I don't want it for myself, but you'll need it. Argon (taking her hand) There, let us separate. No, stay here. Lisette I am staying. Argon Go--and be in the nearby woods in an hour. (he kisses her hand) Go quickly. Wait! The marriage is made. Lisette (perceiving the Widow) Ah! All is discovered. Argon I am an indiscreet fool! (Exit Lisette.) Widow What have I heard? I am struck mute with shock! Argon And I! I am mute with shame. From frankness, I am going to admit to you that what you have seen--I am wrong. The marriage I contracted with you ought to prevent me from making another. But, as friendship alone made ours, it would seem love is stronger. Still, I was wrong to betray you thus. But, if you know how Lisette loves me, from friendship for me, you yourself would say--marry her, sir, I freely consent. What pleasure, at my age of fifty-four years, to be loved for myself. Yes, only for my person. For she refused my wealth which I would give, only wanting me. But, I am doubly wrong to betray you, to anger you. From prudence, I ought never to speak of Lisette. Yes, Madame, I am wrong, a hundred times wrong. But she will be my wife.