Part 4 (1/2)

MARIANE Please, what did you say?

ORGON What?

MARIANE Surely I mistook you, sir?

ORGON How now?

MARIANE Who is it, father, you would have me say Has won my heart, and I would like to have Become my husband, by your choice?

ORGON Tartuffe.

MARIANE But, father, I protest it isn't true!

Why should you make me tell this dreadful lie?

ORGON Because I mean to have it be the truth.

Let this suffice for you: I've settled it.

MARIANE What, father, you would ... ?

ORGON Yes, child, I'm resolved To graft Tartuffe into my family.

So he must be your husband. That I've settled.

And since your duty ..

(Seeing Dorine) What are you doing there?

Your curiosity is keen, my girl, To make you come eavesdropping on us so.

DORINE Upon my word, I don't know how the rumour Got started--if 'twas guess-work or mere chance But I had heard already of this match, And treated it as utter stuff and nonsense.

ORGON What! Is the thing incredible?

DORINE So much so I don't believe it even from yourself, sir.

ORGON I know a way to make you credit it.

DORINE No, no, you're telling us a fairly tale!

ORGON I'm telling you just what will happen shortly.

DORINE Stuff!

ORGON Daughter, what I say is in good earnest.

DORINE There, there, don't take your father seriously; He's fooling.

ORGON But I tell you ...

DORINE No. No use.

They won't believe you.

ORGON If I let my anger ...

DORINE Well, then, we do believe you; and the worse For you it is. What! Can a grown-up man With that expanse of beard across his face Be mad enough to want ...?

ORGON You hark me: You've taken on yourself here in this house A sort of free familiarity That I don't like, I tell you frankly, girl.

DORINE There, there, let's not get angry, sir, I beg you.