Valère (goes, and turns round at the door). He?

Mariane. What is the matter?

Valère. Did you call me?

Mariane. I! You are dreaming.

Valère. Well! then I will be gone. Farewell, Madam. (He goes slowly.)

Mariane. Farewell, Sir.

Dorine (to Mariane). I think that you are losing your senses with all this folly. I have all along allowed you to quarrel, to see what it would lead to at last. Hullo, M. Valère. (She takes hold of Valère’s arm.)

Valère (pretending to resist). Well! what do you want, Dorine?

Dorine. Come here.

Valère. No, no, I feel too indignant. Do not hinder me from doing as she wishes me.

Dorine. Stop.

Valère. No; look here, I have made up my mind.

Dorine. Ah!

Mariane (aside). He cannot bear to see me, my presence drives him away; and I had therefore much better leave the place.

Dorine (quitting Valère and running after Mariane). Now for the other! Where are you running to?

Mariane. Let me alone.

Dorine. You must come back.

Mariane. No, no, Dorine; it is of no use detaining me.

Valère (aside). I see, but too well, that the sight of me annoys her; and I had, no doubt, better free her from it.

Dorine (leaving Mariane and running after Valère). What, again! The devil take you! Yes. I will have it so. Cease this fooling, and come here, both of you. (She holds them both.)

Valère (to Dorine). But what are you about?

Mariane (to Dorine). What would you do?

Dorine. I would have you make it up together, and get out of this scrape. (To Valère.) Are you made to wrangle in this way?

Valère. Did you not hear how she spoke to me?

Dorine (to Mariane). Aren’t you silly to have got into such a passion?

Mariane. Did you not see the thing, and how he has treated me?