BER. In what way?
TOI. It is rather an absurd idea, and it may be more fortunate than
good. But act your own part. Here is our man.
SCENE III.--ARGAN, BERALDE.
BER. Let me ask you, brother, above all things not to excite yourself
during our conversation.
ARG. I agree.
BER. To answer without anger to anything I may mention.
ARG. Very well.
BER. And to reason together upon the business I want to discuss with
you without any irritation.
ARG. Dear me! Yes. What a preamble!
BER. How is it, brother, that, with all the wealth you possess, and
with only one daughter--for I do not count the little one--you speak
of sending her to a convent?
ARG. How is it, brother, that I am master of my family, and that I can
do all I think fit?
BER. Your wife doesn't fail to advise you to get rid, in that way, of
your two daughters; and I have no doubt that, through a spirit of
charity, she would be charmed to see them both good nuns.
ARG. Oh, I see! My poor wife again! It is she who does all the harm,
and everybody is against her.
BER. No, brother; let us leave that alone. She is a woman with the
best intentions in the world for the good of your family, and is free
from all interested motives. She expresses for you the most
extraordinary tenderness, and shows towards your children an
inconceivable goodness. No, don't let us speak of her, but only of
your daughter.
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