Lisette What are you saying, sir? I have believed, in good faith, that you spoke in jest that you love me; but this joke is not true.
Widow (aside, delighted) What is her plan? Does she dream, or is it I who dream?
Argon It's in vain that you still think the secret is necessary. (to Baron) We made a secret of our love. (to Lisette) Speak, I permit you to speak freely.
Lisette If you permit me to speak freely, I don't love you.
Argon But, I understand nothing. Speak clearly, I wish it. Tell them that you intended to manage us both.
Lisette I had no intention of managing either of you, I assure you, and you can see it quite well.
Lisette For, hold on, I prefer my liberty, a hundred times, to all your grand honors and quality. To be the wife of a great lord, I would be a servant. As for your kindnesses, of which I am cognizant, pardon me if I refuse them. In a word, both of you wish to marry me, but I will never marry either one of you.
Baron I cannot recover from my astonishment.
Argon Leave her, forget her, that's sufficient to punish her.
Baron (to Widow) She has a hundred thousand francs which I still regret.
Widow (low) Keep it up your sleeve. We are going to speak to her.
Argon Would you go get a notary to come to your house? We are going to conclude our business instantly.
Widow (to Baron, low) He abandons her, for you that's the main thing. I am going to rid you of a rival.
Widow Neither do I. But, prudence dictates that one go in the greatest hurry.
(Exit Baron and Widow. Argon returns from the other side, and looks to see if the Widow sees him.)
Lisette (dreaming, alone) I think--yes, from what I've seen, I've done well, I believe. When they are with me, by themselves, as they will be, I will know what to do to have them back.
Argon (aside) The Widow is already far away. Let's Let's penetrate this mystery. From scorn, I have banished all animosity. I return solely from curiosity, to see what reasons you will have to give me.
Lisette Permit me to laugh, seeing you so angry. What? Didn't you see what my plan was?
Argon (enraged) No, I didn't see it, and all subterfuge is in vain.
Lisette I told the Baron the truth, without ruse or subterfuge, for fear he would continue in his mistake. I didn't wish to deceive him.