The Miser (Act 3 Scene 12)

SCENE XII.——HARPAGON, MARIANNE, ÉLISE, CLÉANTE, VALÈRE, FROSINE.

HAR.
(to Marianne). I hope you will excuse me, my dear, but I forgot to order some refreshments for you, before you went out.

CLE.
I have thought of it, father, and have ordered to be brought in here some baskets of China oranges, sweet citrons, and preserves, which I sent for in your name.

HAR.
(aside, to Valère). Valère!

VAL.
(aside, to Harpagon). He has lost his senses!

CLE.
You are afraid, father, that it will not be enough? I hope, Madam, that you will have the kindness to excuse it.

MAR.
It was by no means necessary.

CLE.
Did you ever see, Madam, a more brilliant diamond than the one my father has upon his finger?

MAR.
It certainly sparkles very much.

CLE.
(taking the diamond off his father's finger). You must see it near.

MAR.
It is a beautiful one; it possesses great lustre.

CLE.
(steps before Marianne, who wants to restore it). No, Madam, it is in hands too beautiful; it is a present my father gives you.

HAR.
I?

CLE.
Is it not true, father, that you wish her to keep it for your sake?

HAR.
(aside, to his son). What?

CLE.
(to Marianne). A strange question indeed! He is making me signs that I am to force you to accept it.

MAR.
I would not …

CLE.
(to Marianne). I beg of you…. He would not take it back.

HAR.
(aside). I am bursting with rage!

MAR.
It would be …

CLE.
(still hindering Marianne from returning it). No; I tell you, you will offend him.

MAR.
Pray …

CLE.
By no means.

HAR.
(aside). Plague take …

CLE.
He is perfectly shocked at your refusal.

HAR.
(aside, to his son). Ah! traitor!

CLE.
(to Marianne). You see he is in despair.

HAR.
(aside, to his son, threatening him). You villain!

CLE.
Really, father, it is not my fault. I do all I can to persuade her to accept it; but she is obstinate.

HAR.
(in a rage, aside to his son). Rascal!

CLE.
You are the cause, Madam, of my father scolding me.

HAR.
(aside, with the same looks). Scoundrel!

CLE.
(to Marianne). You will make him ill; for goodness' sake, hesitate no longer.

FRO.
(to Marianne). Why so much ceremony? Keep the ring, since the gentleman wishes you to.

MAR.
(to Harpagon). I will keep it now, Sir, in order not to make you angry, and I shall take another opportunity of returning it to you.