"THE FALSE SERVANT" "I'm tired of your Miss, can't you call me Sir?" "I'm tired of your Miss, can't you call me Sir?" "I believe that's Mr. Trivelin." "That is him." "How are you, my friend?" "Wonderful, my dear Frontin." "I still have my two gifts, health and appetite." "You?" "Still becoming citizen of Paris with your business?" "I fell on hard times." "How has Fate treated you since last we met?" " How it treats worthy people." " Very badly?" "Yes." "But I owe it one thing:" "It's taught me how to ignore it." "Its favor and disfavor are all the same to me." "Reasonable men don't ask for more." "I'm not happy, nor do I seek to be." "By Jove!" "I've always known you as shrewd and cunning, but never a philosopher." "You already disdain worldly things!" "Stop, you're making me blush." "I don't deserve your praise." "My pretended disdain for things may be mere words." "Frankly speaking..." "I wouldn't advise anyone to entrust his property to my philosophy." "I'd seize it!" "I know I would, despite my claims." " At heart, we're all rascals." " I can't deny that." "I wouldn't say that to everyone, but I know you're initiated." "Tell me, what's that parcel you're carrying?" "My humble baggage, all my worldly possessions." "You can't say they take up too much room!" "In my 15 years of wandering, you know how much I've tormented myself, how much effort I've made to settle down." "Scruples being an impediment to wealth, I dropped mine." "When I needed to be honorable, I was." "When deceit was required, I reluctantly acceded." "I've had some easy times, but gambling, women and wine were always my undoing." "That's true." "Sometimes master, sometimes servant, always cautious and hardworking, friend of crooks by interest, of gentlemen by choice, respected for one thing, horsewhipped for another, always changing jobs, clothes, character and manners," "risking a lot, winning little, libertine at heart, respectable on the outside, unmasked by some, suspected by others, dubious to all." "I've tried everything and owe to all." "My creditors either are unaware, or know it, and will remember for a long time." "I've slept everywhere:" "on the street, in taverns, in mansions, in palaces, at my house, in prison, where I've often been taken in, though the accommodations are uncomfortable." "After 15 years of effort, this bag is all I have." "My only recompense from an ungrateful world." "It's hardly worth anything." "Don't distress yourself." "The worst part seems to be your spells in prison." "But I can't stay, I'm being sent to Paris." "My master needs someone to replace me while I'm gone." "Shall I suggest you?" "Yes, indeed." "Who is your master?" "Does he eat well?" "I need good food right now." "You'll wait on the best girl..." "Then why do you call her "master"?" "Sorry, I was daydreaming." "You're lying, Frontin." "Yes, Trivelin." "She's a girl dressed as a man." "I didn't want to tell you, but it came out." " Please be discreet." " I've always been." "You're pulling a scheme with her?" "Yes." "Hide her rank." "Here she comes." "Stand back and I'll talk to her." " Did you find me a servant?" " Yes, Miss, I..." "I'm tired of your Miss, can't you call me Sir?" "I'm sorry, Miss." "I mean Sir." "I found one of my friends, a good man." "His former master just died, he's here to pay his respects." "I hope you didn't tell him who I am." "Don't worry, Sir, I can keep a secret." "Unless it slips out." "Shall I introduce you?" "Yes, then leave straightaway for Paris." "I'm waiting for your letters." "I won't give you any in case you lose them." "My sister could lose them too." "I don't want anyone finding out." "Here is your mission." "Tell my sister not to worry about me." "At the last ball I went to dressed like this," "I encountered a man I didn't know and thought out of town." "Lélio, the man my brother-in-law wants me to marry." "Finding him unexpectedly in Paris in the company of a lady," "I decided to use my disguise to sound out his heart and character." "We quickly struck up a friendship, as young men do." "He invited me to a party at the lady's country house, accompanied by a relative, and here I am." "I've made discoveries that I must look into before I marry Lélio." "My future is at stake." "Make haste and send in that servant." "I'll check to make sure you've left." "Meeting Lélio was like a gift from heaven." "It gives me an advantage to use as I wish." "My sister won't be surprised, she knows my strange ways." "My wealth, hand and heart will go to one man." "They're valuable, I won't give them lightly." "Here he is, Sir." "Keep my secret." "I'll give it back to you when you want." "Come closer." " What's your name?" " Whatever you want, Sir." "Bourguignon, Champagne, Poitevin, Picard..." "Whatever name you choose, I'll serve you under it." "But what is your own name?" "I'm ashamed to say, since I'm the first of my family to wear livery, but what better name than yours?" "For you, I'd wear any uniform on earth." "But my name, Sir, is Trivelin." "I'm from a long line of loyal Trivelins." "Of all the Trivelins that ever were, I'm the happiest." "Don't flatter me." "A valet's only duty is to serve." "A valet!" "An ugly word, which rings harsh to my ears." "Can't we abolish it?" " Such sensitivity!" " Please let us choose" " a kinder term." " Do you jest?" "The thought of serving you eases my humiliation." "Go, you're of no use to me." "No use to you?" "You can't be serious." "This man's a lunatic." "Leave!" "No, I'm hurt, and won't leave till you tell me I'm useful." "No, I'm hurt, and won't leave till you tell me I'm useful." "Leave, I say." " Where shall I meet you?" " Nowhere." "Enough banter, we're not coming to a decision." " You're taking a risk." " I've nothing to lose." "What a nuisance!" "I have to go." "Following me?" "Yes, indeed, didn't you just say I was stubborn?" " Impudent!" " Cruel!" "Cruel?" "Yes, cruel, like a lover." "Keep going and you'll have me in tears." "I don't know what to think anymore." "You're musing, Sir." "Your voice is softening, you're becoming manageable." "We'll soon come to an agreement." "My passion to serve you is in my blood." " I'll give you what you deserve." " Fie!" "Don't wave that thing around, you're out of your league." "Put your sword away." "Your eyes are more formidable than that useless steel." " I'm betrayed." " A mask!" " I know who you are." " You?" "From Frontin." "He told you who I am?" "Only that you're a girl." "I believed him, I don't argue about people's station." "I might as well tell you everything." " Why are you in disguise?" " I mean no harm." "If you did, you certainly wouldn't hide your sex." "I must lie." "The truth is that my mistress ordered me to disguise myself." "She has her sights on a Mr. Lélio." "She wants to win him away from the lady of this chateau." "What were you given to do?" "Seems like a job for a housemaid." "Not at all, my job is to seduce the Countess." "I make a handsome knight." "I've often felt the Countess's eyes on me." "She'll fall in love with me, drop Lélio, he'll go to Paris and meet my mistress." "He'll fall for her and wedding bells will ring." "Is your own heart free?" " Yes." " As is mine." "That makes two free hearts, right?" "Absolutely." "Our hearts will be friends." "By the same calculation, as friends, you owe me 2 months' wages for my discretion." "I don't mean my domestic service." "Love will pay me for that." "Here." "Six gold coins in advance for your discretion." "And 3 for your services." "I could refuse the last 3, but I won't." "The hand that gives them" " quells my generosity." " Here's Mr. Lélio." "Go wait for me outside the chateau." "Remember, minx." "I'm your valet on stage and your lover backstage." "You'll give me orders in public and emotions in private." "He seems very preoccupied." " Good Knight!" " You seem jolly." "You're a good judge of appearance." "I've been looking for you." "What's wrong, Lélio?" "Your distraction worries me." "I'll tell you why." "Harlequin, summon the musicians." "Yes, Sir." "Let's drink to our new friendship." "Good idea." "I like your way of encouraging friendship." "What's the matter?" " Can I be of any help?" " Very much." " Well?" " Are you my friend?" "If you need to ask, I should say no." "Don't get angry." "Your indignation flatters me." " I have another question." " What is it?" " Do you have scruples?" " Within reason." "Here's what I need." "Your honor doesn't balk at trifles, like a fool's does." "Does lying to your mistress to get rid of her make you a cad?" "For being unfaithful to a woman?" " Yes." " Tricking her?" " That's all." " It's not the worst crime." "Cheating on a woman is a glorious deed." "By Jove!" "You think so?" "In that case, there is no one more glorious than I." "You?" "Then let me take a look at you." "Let me admire a man so full of honorable crimes." "I see you're proud of your villainy." "I love the way you think." "Let me embrace you." "I can see you're a heartbreaker yourself." "How many reputations have you ruined?" "How many hearts driven to despair?" "You're wrong, my affairs have all been ordinary." "Sensible women are my fate, alas." "Sensible women?" "Where did you find such strange creatures?" "What do they gain from being sensible?" "When we're happy, we say so." "When we're not, we lie." "Why can't they?" " I usually tell the truth." " Your frivolity delights me." "Back to my problem." "We'll laugh at my exploits another day." "You're a youngest son, and therefore not rich." "It only follows." "You're a handsome man." "Do you know the reason I invited you here?" "To ask you to make your fortune." "I'll agree." "What kind of fortune?" "Make the Countess fall in love with you and marry you." "Are you joking?" "Don't you love her?" "I loved her till recently, but I've changed my mind." "What?" "When you fall out of love, does the love just disappear?" "You're priceless!" "I do as I like in love." "The Countess is lovable enough." "I'd have married her for her money, if nothing else." "Meanwhile I've been offered the hand of a Parisian woman" "I've never met, but who gets me 12,000 francs a year." "The Countess only has 6,000." "I calculate that 6 is less than 12." "How could my love for her defy such accounting?" "It would be ridiculous." "12 beats 6, doesn't it?" "No answer?" "How could I dispute you?" "Anyone who can count can see it." "Exactly." "So where's the problem?" "Why can't you just leave the Countess?" "Why can't you just bring her your calculation and ask her to check it herself?" "She'll cry, curse arithmetic, call you a worthless liar." "A man like you, who's above honorable trifles, will smile and listen, apologize carelessly, bowing low like a well-bred knight, and graciously accept being called treacherous." "I've heard such insults before, and I can bow." "If it were so simple, I'd have dropped her already." "But there's a hitch." "To finalize the recent purchase of some land, the Countess lent me 50,000 francs, it's in writing." "You're right, that's another story." "No amount of bowing can write that off." "Faithless lovers can be told off, debtors can be arrested." "That's different, I have no solution." "Patience!" "The Countess thinks we'll be married soon." "In addition to the loan, we also signed an engagement contract with a 50,000-franc penalty." "If I break it off, I'll owe the debt and the penalty." "I'd rather pay neither." "What a gentleman!" "I'm starting to understand." "If I make the Countess love me, you think she'd rather pay the penalty than marry you, leaving you 50,000 francs ahead, right?" "You read my mind." "And an ingenious mind it is, worthy of your pranks." "She owes you at least 50,000 for the honor of wooing her." "She won't pay it, in my view." "Do you think I could capture her heart?" " I have no doubt." " Nor do I." "I know she likes your company and finds you witty." "I have no urge to marry her." "Why not?" "For one thing, I could never love her." "We could be friends, but that's all." "Who's asking you to love her?" "If you don't love her, that's her problem, not yours." "But isn't life hard with a wife you don't love?" "That way you can avoid her, and life's better." "It's a deal." "I'm ready to do as you ask." "If I marry her, you can teach me contempt for my wife." "I'll give you a good example." "Do you think I'll love the girl from Paris?" "Maybe for a few weeks, then I'll get bored." "Give her at least a month for her 12,000." " As I see fit." " Is she pretty?" "They say she is, but I don't really care." "If she's not ugly, she will be soon enough as my wife." "A wife can rebel." "I have some desert-like land where she can go alone to calm her vengeance." "A desert!" "How nice for her!" "Solitude is good for the soul!" "Basking in the sweet joys of melancholy, doing whatever strikes her fancy..." " Her own mistress." " Lucky her!" "Here's the Countess." "Pretend you still love her." "If you don't, she'll try to win you back and ignore me." "I'll watch my step." "I'll go meet her." "If I'd married him, I'd be in good hands!" "12,000 a year to live in a desert?" "No thanks!" "I could get more for my money." "But why stop now?" "I'm enjoying this." "I'll punish him and free the Countess." "The musicians are late." "I'll go rustle them up." "The Knight's here." "He wants to leave." "Your presence troubles him." "I trust you, but I can't blame him." "As a friend, I can't let him run away from you." "Please talk sense into him." "I'll be right back." "What's this excuse for leaving us?" "If we knew your real reasons, we might let you go." "Lélio has told you my real reasons." "What?" "That you don't trust your heart around me?" "I can't, you took me by surprise." "All I can do is limit the damage." "Poor Knight!" "I didn't know I was so dangerous." "All you have to do is look in the mirror." "Your eyes urge me to abuse your hospitality." "Mirrors don't flatter me." "Because they can't augment your beauty." "They can't improve on nature." "You're exaggerating." "Then lend me your eyes, for mine can't praise you enough." "How gallant!" "Gallantry isn't the half of it." "I won't hold you back." "You're bored here, and prefer the charms of Paris." "Paris is nothing without you." "Please show me how I could be bored in your company." "You'd be doing me a favor." "It'd be a blessing." "But you can't, all you can do is inspire love." "I'm bad at it." "A nice scheme I'm involved in, not to mention lucrative." "It's already won me money and a mistress." "A good start that promises a better outcome." "I'm a clever man." "Should I just hang around and wait?" "Shouldn't I further my dear servant's plans?" "If I tell Lélio that the Countess has fallen for the Knight, he'll drop her sooner and go back to Paris." "I've already asked to speak with him." "Here he comes with the Countess." "Let's see how he makes out." "I don't understand." "You're friends with the Knight, and you want me to rebuff him?" "Whatever for?" "You said he was nice and amusing, and he is indeed." "Indeed?" "Has it come down to deeds?" "I don't like the way you say "indeed."" " I can't help that." " You mock me?" "You don't like the word?" "Is it bad usage of language?" "It betrays a fondness for the Knight." "How naughty of it!" "You're right to scold it." "But why shouldn't I feel a man's qualities ...if they're real, as his are." "You shouldn't say "feel," you should say "notice."" "Then I won't say a word." "I'll wait till you give me your list of acceptable words, if that's the only way I can converse with you." "Forgive me, I'm in love." "Forgive my ignorance in confusing "feel" and "notice."" ""Feel" is too sentimental a style for a knight." "I dislike your style." "It's cold, chilling and repulsive." "I'll cancel this debt." "Please let's stop bickering back and forth." "Makes for dreary conversation." "You'd rather be with him?" "Lélio!" "Thanks for the advice." "Here's mine:" "Don't push me." " You find me unbearable?" " I won't answer that." "You'd only take offense." "You're holding back." "Tell me you hate me." "No, but I will if this keeps up, and I'm sure it will." " You seem to want that." " As do you." " You wound me." " Give me strength!" "Don't go!" "You kindly returned my affection." "Now we get to the point." "The engagement between us." "You don't like it?" "Then break it." "You've been talking around it for an hour." "Break it?" "I'd rather die than lose your hand." " But not my love?" " I hope to have both." " Then why annoy me?" " How do I annoy you?" " You're jealous." " I'm in love." " Such transports!" " Of course I'm jealous." "You used to reproach me for not being jealous enough." "Now that I am, you're angry." "Say it!" "Tell me I'm capricious." "That's what you mean to say." "You lecture me, you insult me, then wonder why I'm annoyed." "Strange behavior!" "I'm not calling you capricious, but you wanted me to be jealous and now I am." "Why get angry?" "Next you'll say I'm whimsical." "Please answer me." "No, Sir." "No woman was ever so insulted, or found so ridiculous." "Who are you talking to?" "Surely not to me." "Now I'm seeing things?" "You don't want to break our engagement, but I do." "Right?" "Such an effort to avoid answering my question." "That's the last straw!" "I'm capricious, ridiculous, I see things and I'm a liar." "I've never known you, Mr. Lélio, you tricked me." "Keep your jealousy, it's unbearable." "It's awful, vile, the product of a sick mind." "It's not a sign of love, it's a character flaw." "I wanted you to feel the gentle jealousy of a shy, loving heart that feels unworthy." "Such jealousy doesn't abuse its object or call her a ridiculous lunatic." "It's scared of losing a love it might not deserve." "But you're not capable of that." "You deal in rage, anger and pretense." "You cast suspicions." "You lack respect and humility." "You sign a contract, then pressure me to break it." "A contract and suspicions!" "That's what you call love?" "Good-bye!" "Wait!" "You're angry, but you'll come back because you respect me." "So?" "I respect many people." "It's no feat to be respectable, it's a duty." "Let me redeem myself." "You're dear to me." "The Knight loves you." "Be cooler to him." "Hint that he should return to Paris." "Hint that he should leave?" "You'd have me drop vulgar hints so he'll assume I'm uncultivated?" "No, Sir." "I think I'll pass." "No amount of subtlety could make it less ridiculous, as you've shown." "Take this hint from me, as a taste of your own medicine." "Good." "So far, so good." "I'll marry the 12,000." "Here's the Knight's valet." "You wanted to speak to me?" "Yes, Sir." "Excuse my impertinence." "Beneath my uniform beats a noble heart with noble intentions." "I believe you." "May I humbly say I was once a gentleman myself." "But you know the wiles of Fate, Sir." "Fate played me, as it has many others." "History is full of the tricks Fate has played on heroes." "At least I'm in good company." "Please make your point quickly." "Unlucky people like to take pity on themselves, but I'll stop here." "I hope my preamble has earned me respect and credibility." "So be it." " I'm the Knight's servant." " Yes." "Not for much longer." "His deeds will tarnish my reputation." "What's he done wrong?" "You're so different from him." "As soon as I saw you and heard you speak, I thought," ""There's a frank and honest soul!"" "Your flattery will get you nowhere." " Your goodness warrants it." " Let's move on." "First, may we agree on a small detail?" "Speak." "I'm proud, but I'm poor." "These qualities are hard to reconcile, but are doomed to go hand in hand, as in my case." "And where are they leading?" "To a battle between them." "Pride stands firm, but its adversary is relentless." "Pride soon weakens and retreats, and leaves the field to poverty, which, unashamed, begs for your generosity." "You want payment for the tip you're about to give?" "That's right." "Generous people spare you the shame of spelling out your intentions." "If your information is worth it, I'll pay." "Let's hear it." "When money's lacking, so's generosity." "How sad!" "But no matter." "You'll make up for it later." "Here goes." "You believe the Knight is your true friend?" "Certainly." " You're wrong." " How?" "You think the Countess loves you?" "I'm sure she does." "You're wrong yet again." " What?" " Yes, Sir." "You have no friend and no mistress." "Cruel world!" "She no longer loves you." "The Knight has stolen her heart, I saw him do it." "Let's make the most of it." "What did you see to make you sure?" "Sir, you can trust my judgment." "I need only look at a woman in private to know how she feels in every detail." "Her sentiments are written on her face." "After years of practice, I can read it well." "This afternoon, while you picked flowers for the Countess," "I worked nearby and watched the Knight frolicking around her." ""You're so playful!" she said, smiling casually." "But I interpreted her smile." "It was a cipher, and it meant:" ""I like you, Knight." "Your ways please me." ""Can't you see I like you?"" "Give me proof I can understand without your experience." "Here it is:" "He began stealing kisses, which she protested but allowed." ""Leave me alone," she said indulgently, not escaping, but leaving herself exposed." ""My goodness, how dare you?" she then said." "I kept working on the fence, realized that "How dare you!" meant," ""Be bold, Knight, kiss me again." ""Surprise me again, for decency's sake." ""I must feign refusal, but if you're smart," ""you'll force me to relent."" "My word, kisses are something else." "Here's the best part." ""What a pretty hand," he cried." ""Let me admire it."" ""No need, please don't."" "But the hand was taken, admired, stroked." ""Stop!" No effect." "A tap of her fan, meaning, "Don't stop."" "The hand is plundered." "The other comes to its aid and falls prey too." ""What are you doing?" "Stop!"" ""You seem at ease, Madam."" "The Countess is embarrassed, he gazes lovingly." "She blushes, his spirits rise." "She pretends anger, he throws himself at her feet." "She utters a muffled sigh." "He retaliates with a loud one." "Then silence." "Then tender looks, then bashful ones, then..." ""What's this mean?" "You know."" ""Get up." "Will you forgive me?"" ""I don't know."" "You interrupted, but I think they've reached an agreement." "What do you think?" "I'd say your evidence is taking shape." "Taking shape?" "Then what does it take to convince you?" "How much more do you need?" "I saw Love born." "It'll soon be too big to play in the garden." "It may be already, it was a strapping boy." "Strapping, huh?" "How do you feel about marrying the Countess now?" "You should have seen how she let him take her hand." "Did she really seem to enjoy it?" "Yes, Sir." "So does he, it seems." "Is my tip worth its price?" "Easily." "You're a scoundrel." "Scoundrel?" "Strange kind of payoff!" "The Knight would flog you if he knew your treason." "You deserve it, but I'll let you off." "I won't tell him." "Farewell, and consider yourself lucky." "I've never seen money like that." "Farewell, Sir." "May God give you the flogging I deserve." "Fate never played a funnier trick on me." "Getting out of a beating is like being paid in kind." "I don't understand." "His mistress jilts him, he asks if she enjoyed it." "Is my false knight leading me on?" "Are they better friends than I think?" "Let's ask Harlequin." " Where are you going?" " To get the mail." " What's on your mind?" " Money." " A rich topic." " I wanted to talk to you." " About what?" " Money." "You have money on the brain." "Where did you get the money for the wine we drank together?" "What's your secret?" "I only know the secret for spending it." "I can do that." "I learned it in the tavern." "Wine's the slow way, the opposite sex is faster." "We don't see many women around here." "You won't be here forever." "But tell me something." "Is your master very friendly with the Knight?" " Yes." " Fie!" "Are they very affectionate?" "They say things like, "How are you?" "I'm well."" "They dine together, then say "Good night."" "Then they go to sleep." "You'd rather they argued?" "No, but it could affect a little affair of mine." " Yours?" " Yes." "There's a girl I like." "Their friendship would keep us here longer." " Where does this person live?" " Here, I said!" "She means a lot to me." " Lucky!" "Is she young?" " 19 or 20." " Fresh!" "And pretty?" " Pretty?" "The word doesn't do her justice." "She's charming, beautiful and worthy of me." "Love!" "A treat for my soul!" "She gave me the money you mentioned, making it more precious." " I can't stand it!" " I think I'll make him faint." "That's not all." "She flattered me so much, I almost blushed." ""Will you love me?" "Is your heart true?"" "Yes, my queen." " Who are you talking to?" " Her, wasn't I?" "As she spoke, to prove her love, she took from her pocket some gold." ""Take it," she cried, and I took it politely." ""It's a mere sample of what's in store for you."" "I had to yield." "You can't say no to a sample." "I'm begging you on bended knee!" "Show me the royal face of this paragon who gives gold away with her heart." "She might have a sample for me." "Let me see her, admire her and die happy!" "Sorry, son, don't model your hopes on me." "The mule is not up to the racehorse." "You're the best horse in the world." "Leave the metaphors to me." " Show me the girl!" " I can't, but I like you." "I'll buy you a bottle of Burgundy a day for my stay." "That makes 30 bottles a month!" "A month in advance to console me?" "I'll give you them monthly." "So I won't see her?" "Where are you, my dearest gold?" "I'll find you!" "Shall we drink the first installment?" "Here's my master, maybe later." "I've confused him." "He's not worthy of our little scheme." "There you are, worthy Knight." "How goes our business?" "Very well, Trivelin." "But you're worthless." "Then what's the point in telling me?" "You're a rascal." " A common mistake." " I'll get my revenge." "My virtues have always been ignored." "Why did you tell Lélio I loved the Countess?" " He told you?" " Yes." "Thanks for telling me." "He broke his word, he still owes me." "You sold him the story, wretch?" "Wretch?" "Your flowery words go to my head." " Yes, I wanted money." " I gave you some." "And I accepted it." "Is your money so unsociable it won't mix with Lélio's?" "Stop being impertinent or my mistress will punish you." "Stop, I can feel my discretion weakening." "Strengthen it with a kiss." "No." " Then with something else." " Like what?" "I'd rather not say it." "Guess!" "It's like a watch, round and metallic." "I understand." "But even so..." "I'd prefer a kiss." "Take it, but behave." "Minx!" "You dodge my advances so prettily, I'm won over." "Got you!" "I'm in love!" "Sweet gold, I could die!" "I'm so happy!" " I'm robbed." " And I'm unmasked." "Let me see you, beloved purse!" "What beauty!" "I feel faint!" "Quick, give me a sample!" "Get him off!" "What sample?" " He wants money." " He'll foil my plans." "Take him away and swear him to secrecy with this." "Please don't betray me." "I'll give Trivelin more samples for you, but keep quiet." "I will." " You'll love me?" " Sure." "Come, let's drink that first installment." "Let's go!" "Go ahead, don't worry about a thing." "We struck it rich!" "I can't stop now." "It's too much fun, even if it costs me a fortune." "Here's the Countess." "I think she's taken to me." "Let's clinch it." " You seem sad, what's wrong?" " Let's see how he feels." "What ails me is the compliment I must pay you." "That sounds ominous." "You know I'm glad you're here." "I'd keep you here if it were up to me." "Say no more, I'll go to Paris at once." "Please don't think badly of me." "Your wish is my command." "I'm not commanding you." "Now for the coup de grâce." "Farewell, lest I change my mind." "I must leave, before your honesty gives me false hopes." "Bid my wounded heart farewell." "Was ever a heart so devoid of common sense?" "At least..." "Save your scorn till I'm gone." "Then go." "Go back to your brash Parisian women, who'd ask you to stay without blushing." "I can't allow myself." "Go, since you insist on misinterpreting." "You'd rather I stayed?" "You can't ask a woman to speak so bluntly." "I hate a man who can't guess for himself." "Leave, I'm tired of doing all the work." " I've guessed, and I'll go." " He's guessed, now he's leaving." "How dense can he be?" "Let him leave and take Lélio with him." "I hate men, they're unbearable." "Forget them." "You might want something from Paris." "Any requests?" "Yes, forget I ever wanted you to stay." " That's all." " In that case, I must stay." "You understood?" "What a miracle!" "It takes too much encouragement to keep you from leaving." "I only know I love you." "Please don't assume anything." "Then let me go." "Let you go?" "What nerve!" "I have to watch my words with you." "Then say what you mean." "I go, you call me back, but for no reason." "Just to say, "Don't assume anything."" "How tempting is that?" "I can't stand it, I love you too much." "Your love's in a hurry." "Don't blame me, you inspired it." " What do you want?" " To please you." "Then wait and hope." "Hope?" "That's an unknown land, I'd lose my way." "Keep going, you'll find it." "If I go, your heart comes with me." "Let's be reasonable." "I admit I could like you, but is it normal so soon?" "No." "But by normal standards, I have no hope." "I can't earn your love." "It would take me forever." "You're too far above me." "Trust me, I'm generous." "I might indulge you." "The "might" disturbs me." "But will you love me?" "But in the end, will you love me?" "I've made that effort." "You hardly know me, I'm surprised." "You, surprised?" "Are you surprised by the sunrise too?" "How else can I convince you?" "An instant is enough to fall in love with you." "I believe you, don't get angry!" " Stop badgering me." " I love you." "No man on earth could love you as purely and rationally as I." "I swear on this lovely hand that yields to my caress." "Look at me." "Show me your beautiful eyes." "Don't rob me of the sweet confusion they cause me." "It's a delight beyond my wildest dreams." "Let go my hand, you don't need it to speak." " Let me keep it." " Courage!" " Will you finish?" " Never." "You're making me forget what I came to say." "You love me, fine." "But how can we proceed?" "Lélio's jealous of you." " We're even!" " He fears you love me." " Then let him be sure." " He fears I love you." "Why shouldn't you?" "Confirm it and allay his fears." "But, Sir, I cannot lie." "You said you'd indulge me." "I said I might." "I knew that "might" would let me down." "Who better to love than me?" "Does Lélio win?" " He's out of favor." " For good, I hope." " He's moody." " Tiresome." "Always so curt and angry." "I never know how to respond." "With reason." "Reason has deserted him, as has my heart." "He's a lost cause." "You think so?" "I tend to agree with you." "Yes." "Then whom will you love?" " That's my business." " And mine." " You'll find out." " Curses!" " What's wrong?" " You torture me." "You're the most impatient man I've met." "I can't help it, I love you." "Wait!" "Let me get to know you." "My love is all you need to know." "But let's make it easy for you." "If I bother you, tell me to leave and I will." "If I still have hope, you need only say nothing." "Your silence will enrapture me." "Doesn't cost you a syllable, a small price." "I'm happy." "I came here to send you away at Lélio's request." "Forget him, he's irrelevant." "Very charming!" "Lélio's irrelevant?" "You scorn me." "By heaven's grace and Madam's goodness, it won't be so." "Lélio stays, you go." "What do you think of him, Madam?" "Is he not a true friend?" "Aren't his ways edifying?" "What's wrong with my ways?" "When we became friends, did I renounce beauty?" "No." "I value your friendship, but I love her more." "You have a rival, be patient." "If you thought she was happy to be yours alone, you'll be surprised, and get used to it." "I have nothing to say to you." "Madam will take care of your laudable intentions." "Take my hand and let's get away from him." "Where?" "Let's walk together." "He's not boring me." "He speaks charmingly of love." "I only fault him his taste in beloveds." "Few would agree with you." "What a fuss and what a role for me." "Whatever you think..." "Calm down, we'll talk later." "She fell for it." "Was I a good jealous lover?" "She's watching us." "We'll see about that, Sir!" "What a villain!" "Farewell, Lélio, take it as you like." "Why are you crying?" "I insist you tell me." "What's upset you?" "I'll never laugh again." " Why not?" " I don't want to." "But why, nincompoop?" " I'm sad!" " For what reason?" " Sorrow, Sir!" " Too sad to laugh?" "Sad because of sorrow?" "Explain or I'll get angry." " I told you." " You make no sense." " Did someone hurt you?" " Badly." " They beat you?" " Worse than that!" " Worse?" " Yes!" "If a poor man loses gold, he's as good as dead!" " What gold?" " Gold coins!" " You had some?" " Yes, that's my problem." "I was happy when I had it." " Who gave it to you?" " The Knight gave me a sample." " Sample of what?" " I told you!" "My patience is running out." "Let's try again." "Harlequin, dry your tears." "If you have a complaint, I'll settle it." "But what about gold and a sample?" "I don't understand, make sense." " Did the Knight give you gold?" " Not me." "He gave it to Trivelin for me." "But he kept it for himself, the scoundrel!" "How many coins?" " 40 or 50, I didn't count." " But why to you?" " I asked for a sample." " Your samples!" "It's true, he gave some to Trivelin too." "I can't make sense of this." "But I sense it concerns me." "Answer." "Did the Knight reward you for some service?" "No." "But I was jealous of his love for Trivelin and his gold." "I wanted gold too" " and his love." " What is this nonsense?" " It's the truth." " He's in love with the Knight?" "You talk like he's a woman!" "He's adorable!" "You'd love him too if you knew him." "Find him and tell him you'll keep his secret." "You'll get a sample right away!" "I'm confused, who is he?" " That's the secret that pays." " Then tell me!" "If I tell you, I'll get nothing from that nice... kind of man." "I'd hate to upset him." "Kind of man?" "Why is he in such a state?" "Answer me!" "Why is the Knight so "charming"?" "He's like no other man in the world, Sir." "But you'd never see through his disguise." "Disguise?" "Now that he mentions it, it all fits." "The Knight has a pretty face..." "I'll get the truth from Trivelin." "He makes more sense than this fool." "Go, I'll try to get you your money." "Full of empty promises!" "I don't like him." "I'll walk the other way." "Trivelin, wait!" "Yes, Sir?" "Can it wait?" "I have a headache." "A headache never hurt a man like you." "Come here." " I have no news for you." " Come here!" "What's on your mind?" "You regret our last transaction?" "I regret it too." "Care to settle up?" "No sense holding a grudge." " Stop babbling!" " I said I was unsociable." "I want the truth from you so I know how to proceed." "You won't get far, I have nothing to say." "Don't waste your time questioning me." "I'll reward you for the truth." " No beatings?" " Let's be done." " As you wish." " Where are you going?" "It's the best way to end a conversation." "Don't make me angry." "Stay and listen." " What does he want?" " Pardon me?" "A momentary lapse, Sir." "Let's settle this civilly." "Yes, like gentlemen." "Have you known the Knight long?" "No longer than I've known you." " Know who he is?" " A poor nobleman, he says." "But if I ever see his title, I'll send you a copy." "Be honest with me." "I will, I promise." "For what it's worth." "You're holding out on me." "He's not the man he claims to be." "He might be a legitimate heir?" "Stop lying!" "He's a fake, you're lovers." "We must love everyone, whoever they are." "You do your duty gladly." "No, duty is not my strong point." "I love frivolities, obligations leave me cold." "We're all the same deep down, right?" "Liar!" " You love that fake knight." " Easy, this is serious." "You know his gender?" "I only know two genders, one that claims to be reasonable, the other disproves it." "Which is the knight?" "You asked for it, so listen." "Don't play with me, or I'll beat you to death." "I hear you." "Don't annoy me, this is important!" "My fortune's at stake." "Talk or die." "I couldn't hold my tongue to save my life." " Then speak." " Pick a subject, I'll speak." "This will make you talk." "If you didn't look so civil, I'd be scared." "Scoundrel!" "Beneath my uniform, I'm a gentleman, but honesty in servants doesn't pay." "It's neither honored nor rewarded." "I'll do without you this time, but I'll find you if anything goes wrong." "Wherever we meet, I'll greet you with the respect you deserve." " Get out!" " I've been dying to." "Hello, friend." "The Countess is writing letters, then she'll take a walk with me." "Don't interrupt us." "Brood alone, like a jealous lover..." "I'll finish the task of winning her over." "For your sake, I was wondering if your contract was solid." "Some of them aren't valid." "Show me, I'm an expert." "There might be loopholes." "I'll test my doubts about him." "Did you hear me?" "I don't have it on me." "Let's change the subject." "There's another woman you want me to marry?" "No, something more serious." "I'm going to cut my throat." "That's serious!" "Has your throat offended you?" "Stop joking." "Has Harlequin betrayed me?" " Could I be your heir?" " I'll cut yours too!" "I've no problem with my throat." "I have a problem with you!" " Me?" " You!" " Lie down and cool down." " Follow me." " You've caught sunstroke!" " Follow me!" " Go lie down!" " Come or you're a coward." "It's a good thing you can't hear yourself." " You're as weak as a woman." " Hold fast!" "Lélio, you're sick, if not worse." "You should carry a knitting needle, not a sword." "I'd still beat you." " In an alley?" " Anywhere." "Before my blood boils, let me look at you." "Yes, I think you're feverish." "There's madness in your eye, if I'm not mistaken." "But why ask for punishment?" "Come to the woods, I'll explain." "Quickly, then." "If I act tough, he may break down." "You're coming?" "Why do you ask?" "It's too late now to plead insanity." "Sane or insane, I'll run you through and save you from death by doctors." "Let's proceed." " So it's true?" " You're on borrowed time." "Easy, friend, let's talk." "Come, or you're a coward." "I was wrong, he's a genuine knight!" "Who's weak as a woman?" "I thought you were a woman, that's the truth." "Why do you have such a delicate face?" "Any woman would die for it." "You will, in the woods." "I was testing your mettle." "Why did you give Trivelin money for Harlequin?" "He overheard our schemes." "I paid him not to tell the Countess." "I had no idea." "Harlequin told me you were a girl." "Your beauty made me wonder, but your bravery outdoes your beauty." "Let's embrace to seal our pact." "Don't tempt a man like me." "Another feminine quality." "I'm not in a killing mood, so I'll spare you." "But you owe me an apology." "I'm at your service, Sir." "Please forgive my error." "I will." "I'm glad we avoided a nasty business that would have been fatal." "Sorry to bother you, Sir." "Trivelin won't give me my money, even though I didn't tell him you're a girl." "Ask Mr. Lélio, he didn't hear it from me." "Wretch!" "Give me strength!" "Wretch?" "That's how you love me?" "Listen, Mr. Lélio." "Trivelin says, "Either kiss me or give me money."" "He extends his hand, it falls in mine." "The Knight says not to say he's a girl." " I say, "Will you love me?"" " She says "Take it."" "She tells Trivelin to give me gold and we go have a drink." "I came back in order to collect the gold, and the love, and she calls me a wretch." "Go, leave us alone." "And keep your mouth shut." "Take care of my goods." "Well, duelist, what do you have to say?" "Nothing, it's all true." "You seem put out." "Put out?" "Not a bit, thank God." "I'm a woman and proud of it." "What do you really want?" "My luck ran out." "I was doing well." "I scared you with my delicacy, isn't that funny?" "The point is I bared my soul to you." "I saw nothing I liked." " You know my plans." " Which you regret, right?" " Exactly." " But they're grand." "Especially the desert you'd give to your wife of two weeks." "Yes, you have a good memory." "Who are you?" "A girl, quite pretty as you can see, as long as my husband spares me the desert after two weeks." "Aside from that, I'm almost as bad as you." "I won't deny it." " Don't underestimate yourself." " Why are you here?" "To describe you to a lady so she can know what to do with you." "A nice task!" "Enough to save a lamb from the clutches of a wolf and free 12,000 francs for a new home." "Trifles, but worth dressing up for." " What does this mean?" " The lamb is my mistress." "The 12,000 is her income." "Remember your arithmetic?" "And the wolf is you." "I'm doomed." "No, you just lost your prey, and a nice one." "But I didn't make you a wolf." "You've been seen in Paris, on the prowl." "At parties around town." "I'm a bright spark, so I've been sent in this disguise to get to know you." "I do my job, befriend you and see you're a cad." " That's my job." " You're her maidservant?" "And your humble servant!" "Woe is me!" "And clever is me." "Do you regret your evil plan" " or its failure?" " Enough of that!" "Why did you rob me of the Countess's love?" "Why did you agree to play up to her?" "For excellent reasons." "You stood to gain 50,000 francs from her." "You asked for my help." "Just before she paid up," "I'd have blackmailed you for a share of the money, or else sold your contract back to you for cash." "Or else threatened to ruin your chances of marrying rich." "I had it all planned:" "You pay, I run with it and describe you to my mistress for another reward." "With that, plus my savings on travel and wages, and my looks, I'd make a desirable wife, if not for the wolf." "I failed and it bothers me, but I pity you." "If you like..." "You have an idea?" "You'd be even richer." "I won't pretend." "I'm no more innocent than you." "You won't be shocked if I talk straight." "People like us bluff each other." "Make me rich and I'll stand up for you." "For as much as you can afford." "Name your price." "Eternal silence." "And 10,000 francs." "For that, I'll praise you to my mistress and deter the Countess." "If you agree, I'll write my report." "Write it yourself, I'm sure you'll flatter yourself." "Once you're married, we'll both be rich, the others can brood." "10,000 francs and my friendship." "I'll sell you that for 500 francs." "How about 1,000?" "But she's not worth that." " Tonight we'll write." " Yes." "But when do I get paid?" "Take this ring to cover the 10,000 francs." "And what about the 10,000 francs?" "I'll pay you soon." "The Countess is coming." "Give me a deposit first." "Give me your wedding contract till you pay me." "Take it." " Don't betray me." " Would I?" "Here she comes." "Appear in a rage and force her to choose between us." "Quick, she'll see us." "I was looking for you." "I saw you talking to that hothead Lélio, please don't." "He claims you asked me to leave." "I wish he'd leave himself." "I said you'd asked him to." "He could be in Paris by nightfall, just tell him." "You're raving, be sensible." "I'm too in love for that." "Are you sensible?" "Say no, or I'll think" " you don't love me." " You're babbling!" "You do it to charm me, and you succeed." "How unlike Lélio you are!" "If you only knew!" "But about Lélio, you must dismiss him." "Love orders it." " What if I refuse?" " You wouldn't dare." "I wouldn't?" "I know you love me." "Your heart is at my command, as mine is at yours." "That's the rule, you'll obey it." "The nerve of him!" "I love him?" "You seem very sure of yourself." "Without a doubt." "You confided in me, and I'll use it, but I think Lélio will leave." "It's unthinkable, telling a man to leave!" "It's unthinkable that you'd refuse." "You owe it to me." "I can't, dear Knight." "I have reason to be civil to him." "What reason?" "Stay calm." "I lent him money." "Would you have trouble proving it?" " It's in writing." " Then have him arrested." " Yes, but..." " You're ashamed of something." "How can I say it?" "We signed an engagement contract." "Engagement contract?" "Sounds like love." "I'm hurt, I'm overcome." "Why did I sign the damn thing?" "I hate him, always knew I would." "I always disliked him, but stupidly ignored it." "He's put your dislike to good use." "He's turned it into love." "I can see him kneeling before you, while you listen raptly." "He swears eternal love, as you do." "His lips seek yours and find them waiting." "Then it's done." "I see you sigh, your eyes linger on him, burning, yearning," "filled with love, an ever-growing love." "It kills me." "How could I ignore it?" "Cruel contract!" "Will it haunt me forever?" "It tortures me and twists my tongue." "Don't let your visions daunt you." "That wretched contract!" "Won't you be reasonable?" "Why must you speak to me thus?" "Don't I love you enough?" "How can you be jealous of Lélio?" "Was ever a man loved more dearly than you?" "Won't you listen?" "You can't hear in your sorrow." "What's to become of us?" "How can we live like this?" "Enough, Countess." "Your pain soothes and uplifts me." "All those sweet things you just said charm me." "Let's forget and be glad." "Why do I love you so much?" "What did you do?" "Nothing, it was your goodness." "You're more lovable, apparently." "Maybe for others, but not for a woman like you." "I'm not fit to return your love." "How is it earned?" "I won't tell you." "Love me anyway and I'll be happy." "I promise, but Lélio must go." "If only he'd go of his own accord." "I'd save 50,000 francs, which would go to you." "Money be damned." "Tell him to leave." "Pay him off, I'll be happy." "Think it over." "You won't get rid of him." "That's not love." "You're too imperfect for a man like me." "I'll be perfect, don't worry." " Never enough." " No, I give up." "I'll send him away, as you wish." "You'll tell him plainly?" " Yes." " No, you won't." "Your readiness to do it proves you love me." "I won't ask you to be so rude." "I love you." "That says it all." "Or not enough, since you've said it to Lélio." " What am I to say?" " "I adore you!"" "You'll soon say it." "Say it now to humor me." " I'm almost convinced." " Say it while you feel it." "One word is all I ask." "I'll help you." ""I adore you."" "I adore you." "I adore you." "I'm helpless." "Our sex is indeed weak." "What sweet delight!" "Please say it again." "All right, but ask for nothing more." "What more could I ask?" "It could never end." "Be quiet." "I will, I'm good-natured and respect you." "I'll marry you, is that enough?" "More than enough, in all fairness." "I'll swear eternal faith and gladly lose the money." "You won't have to." "Just do as I say." "Lélio will ask you to choose." "Tell him you'll marry him." "He'll show his true colors." "Do it, and he'll pay the forfeit." "You'll see how he is." " I can't say more, he's coming." " I'll do as you say." "Allow me to interrupt for a moment." "Not to complain, just to say one word, although I could speak volumes about your indifference" " since this gentleman..." " He's right." "My complaints are fair, but you dislike me, so I'll hold my tongue, though it pains me to think of all I could say." "Why do you hate me?" "Why do you flee?" "What have I done?" "I'm in despair." "Your glee is badly timed." "I'll get back at you at leisure." "Don't be angry, you came to say one word." "You've said a hundred to no avail." "Calm down, Lélio." "What do you want?" "I want you to choose between this man and myself." "Decide, and put my heart out of its agony." "You're quick-tempered, but your reasons are excusable." "You're dearer to me than you think." "Sir Knight, we've dallied pleasantly." "But it must end." "You spoke to me of love in jest, I hope, for my hand belongs to Lélio." "I hope he'll give me his." "Are you still upset?" "No, Madam, I'm honored." "If I dared..." "No need to thank me." "Your happiness goes without saying." "I like the look on his face." "A letter for you, Madam." "Excuse me, it's from my brother." "What on earth is going on?" "She called my bluff?" "What is going on?" "It's like a dream I'm trying to wake up from." "Now I'm stuck with marrying her, which I demanded but don't want." "Are you cheating?" "How can you ask?" "I'm loyal or I'm no servant." "There's only one explanation." "She asked about the charms of Paris." "I joked about it, but she got serious, then you appeared and took the brunt." "It won't last, she loves me." "I'm in a bind." "If she persists, you'll have to say you'll marry her, but don't love her." "Phrase it politely, so she can back out and pay the forfeit." " Strange idea." " Strange?" "You're losing nerve?" "One more dirty trick will save you 50,000 francs." ""I don't love you, but I'll marry you." ""If not, pay me off." "Your hand or the money."" "Lélio, my brother's been delayed." "We can proceed at your will." "One last snub!" "Countess, will I dare say it?" "My heart is not its usual self." "What?" "You no longer love me?" "Not exactly, but my heart is filled with anxiety." "What was the meaning of all that emotion?" "Was your despair only a facade?" "Wasn't your life in my hands?" ""Put my heart out of its agony..."" "To be honest, I thought I was safe." "I thought you'd turn me down." "You're a great actor." "What about our contract?" "It's good." "I'd be honored to marry you." "What?" "You'd marry me without love?" "It should be no impediment to you." "I despise you." "Get out of my life." "So you'll pay the forfeit?" "Am I hearing you right?" "Where is your integrity?" "He doesn't know, he has none." "But don't let a little forfeit come between you." "Forget it, both of you." " There, it's void." " Traitor!" "Cheer up, you still have the girl with the 12,000." "They said she was pretty?" "They lied." "See for yourself, her face is the same as mine." "Heavens!" "My metamorphosis hurts your feelings, I see." "We could have gone far together." "What a waste of love." "But at the same time, it saved you from a trick that would have cost you." "I know no sadder trick than he one you played on me." "Take heart." "You've lost a fond hope, which I encouraged for your sake." "Think of your sorrow as punishment for your fickleness." "You renounced Lélio on a whim." "It deserves punishment." "As for you, Mr. Lélio..." "Here's your ring." "You gave it to me willingly." "I give it to Trivelin and Harlequin." "Thanks!" "The musicians are here for the party." "Stay for it, since you're here." "Then leave." "It's all you'll get." "Translation:" "Julie McPhail Épilogue"