SCENE IX--HARPAGON, ELISE, VALERE.
HAR. (_alone, at the farther end of the stage_). It is nothing,
thank heaven!
VAL. (_not seeing_ HARPAGON). In short, flight is the last
resource we have left us to avoid all this; and if your love, dear
Elise, is as strong as.... (_Seeing_ HARPAGON) Yes, a daughter is
bound to obey her father. She has no right to inquire what a husband
offered to her is like, and when the most important question, "without
dowry," presents itself, she should accept anybody that is given her.
HAR. Good; that was beautifully said!
VAL. I beg your pardon, Sir, if I carry it a little too far, and take
upon myself to speak to her as I do.
HAR. Why, I am delighted, and I wish you to have her entirely under
your control. (_To_ ELISE) Yes, you may run away as much as you
like. I give him all the authority over you that heaven has given me,
and I will have you do all that he tells you.
VAL. After that, resist all my expostulations, if you can.
SCENE X.-HARPAGON, VALERE.
VAL. I will follow her, Sir, if you will allow me, and will continue
the lecture I was giving her.
HAR. Yes, do so; you will oblige me greatly.
VAL. She ought to be kept in with a tight hand.
HAR. Quite true, you must....
VAL. Do not be afraid; I believe I shall end by convincing her.
HAR. Do so, do so. I am going to take a short stroll in the town, and
I will come back again presently.
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