Dorine. Folly on both sides (to Valère). She has no other wish than to remain yours, I can vouch for it. (To Mariane.) He loves none but you, and desires nothing more than to be your husband. I will answer for it with my life.

Mariane (to Valère). Why then did you give me such advice?

Valère (to Mariane). Why did you ask me for it on such a subject?

Dorine. You are a pair of fools. Come, your hands, both of you. (To Valère.) Come, yours.

Valère (giving his hand to Dorine). What is the good of my hand?

Dorine (to Mariane). Come now! yours.

Mariane (giving hers). What is the use of all this?

Dorine. Good Heavens! quick, come on. You love each other better than you think. (Valère and Mariane hold each other’s hands for some time without speaking.)

Valère (turning towards Mariane). Do not do things with such bad grace; look at one a little without any hatred. (Mariane turns to Valère, and gives him a little smile).

Dorine. Truth to tell, lovers are great fools!

Valère (to Mariane). Now really! have I no reason to complain of you; and, without an untruth, are you not a naughty girl to delight in saying disagreeable things?

Mariane. And you, are you not the most ungrateful fellow …

Dorine. Leave all this debate till another time, and let us think about averting this confounded marriage.

Mariane. Tell us, then, what we are to do.

Dorine. We must do many things (to Mariane). Your father does but jest (to Valère); and it is all talk. (to Mariane.) But as for you, you had better appear to comply quietly with his nonsense, so that, in case of need, it may be easier for you to put off this proposed marriage. In gaining time, we gain everything. Sometimes you can pretend a sudden illness, that will necessitate a delay; then you can pretend some evil omens, that you unluckily met a corpse, broke a looking-glass, or dreamed of muddy water. In short, the best of it is that they cannot unite you to anyone else but him, unless you please to say yes. But, the better to succeed, I think it advisable that you should not be seen talking together. (To Valere.) Now go; and without delay, employ your friends to make Orgon keep his promise to you. We will interest her brother, and enlist her mother-in-law on our side. Good-bye.

Valère (to Mariane). Whatever efforts we may make together, my greatest hope, to tell the truth, is in you.

Mariane (to Valere). I cannot answer for the will of a father; but I shall be no one but Valère’s.

Valère. Oh, how happy you make me! And, whatever they may attempt …

Dorine. Ah! lovers are never weary of prattling. Be off, I tell you.

Valère (goes a step, and returns). After all …

Dorine. What a cackle! Go you this way; and you, the other. (Dorine pushes each of them by the shoulder, and compels them to separate.)