Part 7 (1/2)

To hinder this ... But here's Valere, your lover.

SCENE IV

VALERE, MARIANE, DORINE

VALERE Madam, a piece of news--quite new to me-- Has just come out, and very fine it is.

MARIANE What piece of news?

VALERE Your marriage with Tartuffe.

MARIANE 'Tis true my father has this plan in mind.

VALERE Your father, madam ...

MARIANE Yes, he's changed his plans, And did but now propose it to me.

VALERE What!

Seriously?

MARIANE Yes, he was serious, And openly insisted on the match.

VALERE And what's your resolution in the matter, Madam?

MARIANE I don't know.

VALERE That's a pretty answer.

You don't know?

MARIANE No.

VALERE No?

MARIANE What do you advise?

VALERE I? My advice is, marry him, by all means.

MARIANE That's your advice?

VALERE Yes.

MARIANE Do you mean it?

VALERE Surely.

A splendid choice, and worthy of your acceptance.

MARIANE Oh, very well, sir! I shall take your counsel.

VALERE You'll find no trouble taking it, I warrant.

MARIANE No more than you did giving it, be sure.