Harpagon. That is no answer.

Cléante. To speak to you candidly, I have not found her what I expected. Her air is that of a downright coquette, her figure is sufficiently awkward, her beauty very so-so, and her mind quite ordinary. Do not think, father, that this is said to give you a distaste to her; for, stepmother for stepmother, I would as soon have her as any other.

Harpagon. You said to her just now, however …

Cléante. I have said some sweet nothings to her in your name, but it was to please you.

Harpagon. So much so, that you would not feel any inclination towards her.

Cléante. I? not at all.

Harpagon. I am sorry for it; for it does away with an idea that came into my head. In seeing her here, I have reflected upon my age; and I thought that people might find something to cavil at in seeing me marry so young a girl. This consideration has made me abandon the plan; and as I have made the demand of her hand, and am engaged to her by my word, I would have given her to you had it not been for the aversion which you show.

Cléante. To me?

Harpagon. To you.

Cléante. In marriage?

Harpagon. In marriage.

Cléante. Listen. It is true that she is not much to my taste; but to please you, father, I would make up my mind to marry her, if you wish it.

Harpagon. I, I am more reasonable than you give me credit for I will not force your inclination.

Cléante. Pardon me; I will make this effort for your sake.

Harpagon. No, no. No marriage can be happy where there is no inclination.

Cléante. Perhaps it will come afterwards, father; they say that love is often the fruit of wedlock.

Harpagon. No. From the side of the man, one must not risk such a thing; it generally brings grievous consequences, to which I do not care to commit myself. Had you felt any inclination for her, it would have been a different thing; I should have made you marry her instead of me; but, that not being the case, I will follow up my first plan, and marry her myself.

Cléante. Well! father, since matters are so, I must lay open my heart to you; I must reveal our secret to you. The truth is, I love her, since, on a certain day, I saw her walking; that my plan was, a short while ago, to ask her to become my wife, and that nothing restrained me but the declaration of your sentiments, and the fear of displeasing you.

Harpagon. Have you paid her any visits?

Cléante. Yes, father.

Harpagon. Many times?

Cléante. Just enough, considering the time of our acquaintance.