to this place, where, under the name of Anselme, I wished to get rid of the sorrows of this other name, which caused me so many misfortunes.

Harpagon (to Anselme). Is this your son?

Anselme. Yes.

Harpagon. Then I hold you responsible for paying me ten thousand crowns of which he has robbed me.

Anselme. He has robbed you!

Harpagon. Himself.

Valère. Who tells you this?

Harpagon. Master Jacques.

Valère (to Master Jacques). Is it you who say this?

Jacques. You see that I say nothing.

Harpagon. Yes. There is the Magistrate who has received his deposition.

Valère. Can you believe me capable of so base an action?

Harpagon. Capable or not capable, I want my money back again.

Scene VI.—Harpagon, Anselme, Elise, Mariane, Cléante, Valère, Frosine, a Magistrate, Master Jacques, La Flèche.

Cléante. Do not worry yourself any longer, father, and accuse no one. I have discovered tidings of your affair; and I have come to tell you, that if you will make up your mind to let me marry Mariane, your money shall be returned to you.

Harpagon. Where is it?

Cléante. Do not grieve about that. It is in a spot for which I answer; and everything depends upon me. It is for you to say what you resolve; and you can choose, either to give me Mariane, or to lose your cash- box.

Harpagon. Has nothing been taken out?

Cléante. Nothing at all. Now make up your mind whether you will subscribe to this marriage, and join your consent to that of her mother, who leaves her free to choose between us two.

Mariane (to Cléante). But you do not know that this consent is no longer sufficient; and that Heaven restores to me not only a brother (pointing to Valère) but also (pointing to Anselme) a father, from whom you must obtain me.

Anselme. Heaven has not restored me to you, my children, to go contrary to your desires. M. Harpagon, you are well aware that the choice of a young girl will fall upon the son rather than upon the father; come, do not oblige people to say what is not necessary to hear; and consent, as well as I do, to this double match.

Harpagon. To be well advised, I must see my cash-box.

Cléante. You shall see it safe and sound.