Orgon. Think, if you like; but take care not to say a word, or … (turning to his daughter). That will do. As a sensible man, I have carefully weighed everything.

Dorine (aside). It drives me mad that I must not speak.

Orgon. Without being a fop, Tartuffe’s mien is such …

Dorine. Yes, his is a very pretty phiz!

Orgon. That even if you have no sympathy with his other gifts …

Dorine (aside). She has got a bargain! (Orgon turns to Dorine, and, with crossed arms, listens and looks her in the face.) If I were in her place, assuredly no man should marry me against my will with impunity; and I would show him, and that soon after the ceremony, that a woman has always a revenge at hand.

Orgon (to Dorine). Then you do not heed what I say?

Dorine. What are you grumbling at? I did not speak to you.

Orgon. What did you do then?

Dorine. I was speaking to myself.

Orgon (aside). Very well! I must give her a backhander to pay her out for her extreme insolence. (He puts himself in a position to slap Dorine’s face; and, at every word which he says to his daughter, he turns round to look at Dorine, who stands bolt upright without speaking.) You ought to approve of my plan, daughter … and believe that the husband whom I have selected for you … (to Dorine). Why do you not speak to yourself?

Dorine. I have nothing to say to myself.

Orgon. Just another little word.

Dorine. It does not suit me.

Orgon. I was looking out for you, be sure.

Dorine. I am not such a fool as you think me!

Orgon. In short, daughter, you must obey, and show a complete deference to my choice.

Dorine (running away). I would not care a straw for such a husband.

Orgon (failing to slap Dorine’s face). You have a pestilent hussy with you, daughter, with whom I cannot put up any longer without forgetting myself. I do not feel equal to continue our conversation now; her insolent remarks have set my brain on fire, and I must have a breath of air to compose myself.

Scene III.—Mariane, Dorine.

Dorine. Tell me have you lost your speech? And must I act your part in this affair? To allow such a senseless proposal to be made to you, without saying the least word against it!

Mariane. What would you have me do against a tyrannical father?

Dorine. That which is necessary to ward off such a threat.