You know, Sir, that one of the fronts of my doublet is covered
with a large stain of oil from the lamp.
LA MER. And I, Sir, that my breeches are all torn behind, and that,
saving your presence....
HAR. (_to_ LA MERLUCHE). Peace! Turn carefully towards the wall,
and always face the company. (_To_ BRINDAVOINE, _showing him
how he is to hold his hat before his doublet, to hide the stain of
oil_) And you, always hold your hat in this fashion when you wait
on the guests.
SCENE III.--HARPAGON; CLEANTE, ELISE, VALERE, MASTER JACQUES.
HAR. As for you, my daughter, you will look after all that is cleared
off the table, and see that nothing is wasted: this care is very
becoming to young girls. Meanwhile get ready to welcome my lady-love,
who is coming this afternoon to pay you a visit, and will take you off
to the fair with her. Do you understand what I say?
ELI. Yes, father.
SCENE IV.--HARPAGON, CLEANTE, VALERE, MASTER JACQUES.
HAR. And you, my young dandy of a son to whom I have the kindness of
forgiving what happened this morning, mind you don't receive her
coldly, or show her a sour face.
CLE. Receive her coldly! And why should I?
HAR. Why? why? We know pretty well the ways of children whose fathers
marry again, and the looks they give to those we call stepmothers. But
if you wish me to forget your last offence, I advise you, above all
things, to receive her kindly, and, in short, to give her the
heartiest welcome you can.
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