Cléante. Yes, father.
Harpagon. That it would be a desirable match?
Cléante. Very desirable.
Harpagon. That she looks as if she would make a good wife?
Cléante. Undoubtedly.
Harpagon. And that a husband would have reason to be satisfied with her?
Cléante. Assuredly.
Harpagon. There is a slight difficulty. I fear that she has not as much money as one might reasonably pretend to.
Cléante. Ah! father, money is not worth considering when there is a question of marrying a respectable girl.
Harpagon. Not so, not so. But this much may be said, that if one finds not quite so much money as one might wish, there is a way of regaining it in other things.
Cléante. Of course.
Harpagon. Well, I am very glad to see that you share my sentiments; for her genteel behaviour and her gentleness have quite gained my heart, and I have made up my mind to marry her, provided she has some dowry.
Cléante. Eh!
Harpagon. What now?
Cléante. You have made up your mind, you say …
Harpagon. To marry Mariane.
Cléante. Who? You, you?
Harpagon. Yes, I, I, I. What means this?
Cléante. I feel a sudden giddiness, and I had better go.
Harpagon. It will be nothing. Go quickly into the kitchen, and drink a large glassful of cold water.
Scene VI.—Harpagon, Elise.
Harpagon. A lot of flimsy sparks, with no more strength than chickens. Daughter, this is what I have resolved upon for myself. As for your brother, I intend him for a certain widow, of whom they spoke to me this morning; and you, I will give to M. Anselme.
Elise. To M. Anselme?
Harpagon. Yes, a staid, prudent, and careful man, who is not above fifty, and whose wealth is spoken of everywhere.
Elise (making a curtsey). I have no wish to get married, father, if you please.