SCENE IX——HARPAGON, ÉLISE, VALÈRE.

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 Élise, 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 Élise) 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.