La Flèche. Why are you sending me away?

Harpagon. It well becomes you, you hang-dog, to ask me my reasons. Out with you, quickly, that I may not knock you down.

La Flèche. What have I done to you?

Harpagon. You have done so much to me that I wish you to get out.

La Flèche. Your son, my master, has ordered me to wait.

Harpagon. Go and wait for him in the street, then; but do not remain in my house, planted bolt upright as a sentry, taking notice of everything that goes on, and making the best use of it. I will not have a spy over my concerns eternally before my eyes, a wretch, whose cursed eyes watch every one of my actions, covet all I have, and ferret about everywhere to see if there is nothing to pilfer.

La Flèche. How the deuce could one manage to rob you? Are you a likely man to have aught stolen from you, when you lock up everything, and keep guard day and night?

Harpagon. I shall lock up whatever I think fit, and keep guard as long as I please. A nice pass it has come to with these spies, who take notice of everything one does. (Softly, aside). I quake for fear he should suspect something about my money. (Aloud). Ah! are you not just the fellow who would think nothing of bruiting the tale about that I have money hidden in my house?

La Flèche. You have money hidden?

Harpagon. No, you scoundrel, I do not say that. (To himself). I am bursting with rage. (Aloud). I ask whether you would not from sheer malice, bruit the story about that I have some.

La Flèche. Eh! what does it matter to us whether you have any or not, as long as it comes to the same thing to us?

Harpagon (lifting up his hand, to slap La Flèche’s face). You are arguing the matter! I will give you something for this reasoning on your ears. Once more, get out of this.

La Flèche. Very well! I am going.

Harpagon. Wait: you are not taking anything away with you?

La Flèche. What should I take from you?

Harpagon. I do not know until I look. Show me your hands?

La Flèche. Here they are.

Harpagon. The others.

La Flèche. The others?

Harpagon. Yes.

La Flèche. Here they are.

Harpagon (pointing to the breeches of La Flèche). Have you put nothing in there?

La Flèche. Look for yourself!