Harpagon. In a cash-box.

Jacques. The very thing. I have seen him with a cash-box.

Harpagon. And this cash-box, how is it made? I shall soon see if it be mine.

Jacques. How is it made?

Harpagon. Yes.

Jacques. It is made … it is made like a cash-box.

Magistrate. Of course. But just describe it a little, that I may see.

Jacques. It is a large cash-box.

Harpagon. The one that has been stolen from me is a small one.

Jacques. Eh! Yes, it is small, if you take it in that way; but I call it large on account of its contents.

Magistrate. And what colour is it?

Jacques. What colour?

Magistrate. Yes.

Jacques. It is of a colour … of a certain colour. Could you not help me to say?

Harpagon. Ah!

Jacques. Is it not red?

Harpagon. No, grey.

Jacques. Yes, that is it, greyish-red; that is what I meant.

Harpagon. There is no longer any doubt; it is the one assuredly. Write down, Sir, write down his deposition. Heavens! whom is one to trust henceforth! One must no longer swear to anything; and I verily believe, after this, that I am the man to rob myself.

Jacques (to Harpagon). He is just coming back, Sir. Do not tell him, at least, that it is I who have revealed all this.

Scene III.—Harpagon, Magistrate, Valère, Master Jacques.

Harpagon. Come near, and confess to the blackest deed, the most horrible crime that ever was committed.

Valère. What do you wish, Sir?

Harpagon. How, wretch! you do not blush for your crime.

Valère. Of what crime are you talking?

Harpagon. Of what crime am I talking, infamous monster! as if you did not know what I mean! It is in vain that you attempt to disguise it; the thing has been discovered, and I have just learned all. How could you thus abuse my kindness, and introduce yourself into my house expressly to betray me, to play me a trick of that sort?