Widow I cannot recover. This blow is overwhelming. I excuse Argon. At bottom, he loves blindly. As for me, I really deserve for Lisette to deceive me. But, for this marriage--it is necessary that I break it. Were the good Argon never to marry me, let us try to disabuse him-- from friendship. CURTAIN ACT II The Widow is overwhelmed with chagrin. Girard is holding in his hand a packet of letters for the Baron. He separates one letter and substitutes another. Girard Without breaking the seal, and without compromising myself, I half open the Baron's letter and replace the false with the true. My hand trembles for this is my first attempt in falseness. Widow (dreaming, not listening) Argon will marry Lisette? Girard He will never marry my charming coquette. This will see to him--as I told you. Widow Very good! But, let me digest my spite. The one who married me, marries my coquette. Was this what I raised Lisette for? With impunity, Lisette has played me this trick, when I instructed her to pretend love. I was the plaything of her apprenticeship. I thought she would absorb no malice from the instruction I gave her. Just a little grain of it for perfection. I ought to have realized from my own example, that malice, once seeded in a woman's heart, profits, multiplies and grows like weeds. Girard In malice, Lisette is fertile, yet I love her, I adore her, and I will make her my wife. But, what am I saying? I ought to remember, Madame-- (ironically) that you don't give Lisettes to Girards. As I am only a tax collector, I ought through respect for you, her, and myself, to let her marry your lover. Widow At her age, to manage, under my eyes, three lovers at the same time! Coquettes of Paris and coquettes of the country--some ready language, some trickery. My word, all is equal for coquetry. Girard (ironically) You intended to give her to some great lord. Widow Ah, I will give her to the devil, with all my heart. Girard I beg you for preference over him at least. Widow So be it but at least provide me some confidence that you will succeed. Girard You know all. We must lure our credulous, stupid, avaricious, and amorous Baron with this false lottery into offering Lisette marriage, and if she accepts, for Argon to see she's engaged. Widow Lisette ought to give up Argon for the Baron. The Baron is rich and the trick is so good. Girard Yes, but I mustn't lose Lisette. Widow If Argon is undeceived, I will be satisfied. Girard May he see her half-married to the Baron. Widow Completely married, if necessary. Girard Completely? Hell, no! Widow He's coming. Girard My insurance which I well know how to use-- (Enter Baron. Girard presents a packet to the Baron.) Girard I am returning from the post office and I have the honor to give the gentleman what he asked me to bring. (Exit Girard.) Baron (to Widow) Neighbor, my love is going to make me despair. Lisette intends to leave.