For my part, I value more highly the affection of such an old
man than all the giddy raptures of a youthful brain. But do I not see...
SGAN (_To Ariste_). Yes, so the matter stands. (_Perceiving
L?onor_). Ah, there she is, and her maid with her.
AR. L?onor, without being angry, I have reason to complain. You know
whether I have ever sought to restrain you, and whether I have not
stated a hundred times that I left you full liberty to gratify your own
wishes; yet your heart, regardless of my approval, has pledged its
faith, as well as its love, without my knowledge. I do not repent of my
indulgence; but your conduct certainly annoys me; it is a way of acting
which the tender friendship I have borne you does not merit.
LEO. I know not why you speak to me thus; but believe me, I am as I have
ever been; nothing can alter my esteem for you; love for any other man
would seem to me a crime; if you will satisfy my wishes, a holy bond
shall unite us to-morrow.
AR. On what foundation, then, have you, brother...
SGAN. What! Did you not come out of Val?re's house? Have you not been
declaring your passion this very day? And have you not been for a year
past in love with him?
LEO. Who has been painting such pretty pictures of me? Who has been at
the trouble of inventing such falsehoods?
SCENE X.--ISABELLA, VAL?RE, L?ONOR, ARISTE, SGANARELLE, MAGISTRATE,
NOTARY, LISETTE, ERGASTE.
ISA. Sister, I ask you generously to pardon me, if, by the freedom I
have taken, I have brought some scandal upon your name.
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