Valère. It is as well to keep her tight in hand.

Harpagon. True. We must …

Valère. Do not be uneasy. I think that I shall succeed.

Harpagon. Do, do, I am going to take a little stroll in town, and I shall be back presently.

Valère (addressing himself to Elise, leaving by the door, through which she went out). Yes, money is more precious than anything else in this world, and you ought to thank Heaven for having given you such an honest man for a father. He knows how to go through life. When any one offers to take a girl without a dowry, one should look no farther. It sums up everything; and without dowry makes up for beauty, youth, birth, honour, wisdom, and probity.

Harpagon. Ah! the honest fellow! He speaks like an oracle. It is a rare piece of luck to have such a servant!