Part 9 (2/2)

Baron He's gone crazy.

Girard (low) This rascal scorns you.

Lucas The land will enn.o.ble me. That's what I want of you. While at Paris I increase my money, you keep the land fallow.

Girard You will be his farmer.

Baron (rising) This is too much insolence.

Girard (to Baron) Sir, calm down. I promise you revenge.

Lucas (aside, also rising) This little gentleman, he heard all that. He owes money everywhere, but he believes he is to be respected. But, I will have his chateau.

He'd better leave. He has some creditors. I will have it through the law.

Girard (after having spoken low to the Baron) We have done all, sir, for your good. But to revenge yourself, better say nothing.

(Enter Lisette.)

Lisette I have been looking for you everywhere. Ouf! I'm out of breath. To find you, father, took a lot of trouble. I have run--for they say--but I don't believe it--I heard it everywhere--the Grand Prize. These are the compliments that greet me everywhere. They say a hundred thousand francs. Is it true, father?

Lucas True.

Lisette (impressed) A hundred thousand francs!

(Enter Argon and the Widow.)

Argon (who runs after her) Well, are you fleeing from me? Speak! Since you've heard about the lottery, and you know the news, you scorn me.

Lisette Yes.

Argon This is a handsome fortune. But, it ought not to attract your scorn to me. Answer me, at least. Will you marry me?

Lisette I obey my father. He has told me that he wishes to defer this business. (low to Lucas and making a sign with her eyes to him) Tell him that it's you who refuse.

Lucas Good, good.

Lisette That costs nothing. Get me off.

Lucas No.

Lisette (signaling with her eyes) Tell them something that will end my engagement, at least.

Lucas Eh! You trouble yourself too much about them. Leave off your winking. Not necessary for any polish. You have what you need to marry.

Widow Her father covets her, the opulent fool. Foolishness that he doesn't try to excuse.

Argon By her own fault, she herself disabused me. As for me, so as not to risk another love trick, I'm engaging myself to you.

<script>