Cléante. Yes, father.

Harpagon. That it would be a desirable match?

Cléante. Very desirable.

Harpagon. That she looks as if she would make a good wife?

Cléante. Undoubtedly.

Harpagon. And that a husband would have reason to be satisfied with her?

Cléante. Assuredly.

Harpagon. There is a slight difficulty. I fear that she has not as much money as one might reasonably pretend to.

Cléante. Ah! father, money is not worth considering when there is a question of marrying a respectable girl.

Harpagon. Not so, not so. But this much may be said, that if one finds not quite so much money as one might wish, there is a way of regaining it in other things.

Cléante. Of course.

Harpagon. Well, I am very glad to see that you share my sentiments; for her genteel behaviour and her gentleness have quite gained my heart, and I have made up my mind to marry her, provided she has some dowry.

Cléante. Eh!

Harpagon. What now?

Cléante. You have made up your mind, you say …

Harpagon. To marry Mariane.

Cléante. Who? You, you?

Harpagon. Yes, I, I, I. What means this?

Cléante. I feel a sudden giddiness, and I had better go.

Harpagon. It will be nothing. Go quickly into the kitchen, and drink a large glassful of cold water.

Scene VI.—Harpagon, Elise.

Harpagon. A lot of flimsy sparks, with no more strength than chickens. Daughter, this is what I have resolved upon for myself. As for your brother, I intend him for a certain widow, of whom they spoke to me this morning; and you, I will give to M. Anselme.

Elise. To M. Anselme?

Harpagon. Yes, a staid, prudent, and careful man, who is not above fifty, and whose wealth is spoken of everywhere.

Elise (making a curtsey). I have no wish to get married, father, if you please.