SCENE I.——CLÉANTE, TOINETTE.

TOI.
(not recognising Cléante). What is it you want, Sir?

CLE.
What do I want?

TOI.
Ah! ah! is it you? What a surprise! What are you coming here for?

CLE.
To learn my destiny, to speak to the lovely Angélique, to consult the feelings of her heart, and to ask her what she means to do about this fatal marriage of which I have been told.

TOI.
Very well; but no one speaks so easily as all that to Angélique; you must take precautions, and you have been told how narrowly she is watched. She never goes out, nor does she see anybody. It was through the curiosity of an old aunt that we obtained leave to go to the play where your love began, and we have taken good care not to say anything about it.

CLE.
Therefore am I not here as Cléante, nor as her lover, but as the friend of her music-master, from whom I have obtained leave to say that I have come in his stead.

TOI.
Here is her father; withdraw a little, and let me tell him who you are.