..I can't express how much.
ARG. (_to_ BERALDE). Just ask her all the caresses she lavishes
for me.
TOI. Yes, indeed!
ARG. And all the uneasiness my sickness causes her.
TOI. Certainly.
ARG. And the care and trouble she takes about me.
TOI. Quite right. (_To_ BERALDE) Will you let me convince you;
and to show you at once how my mistress loves my master. (_To
ARGAN_) Sir, allow me to undeceive him, and to show him his
mistake.
ARG. How?
TOI. My mistress will soon come back. Stretch yourself full-length in
this arm-chair, and pretend to be dead. You will see what grief she
will be in when I tell her the news.
ARG. Very well, I consent.
TOI. Yes; but don't leave her too long in despair, for she might die
of it.
ARG. Trust me for that.
TOI. (_to_ BERALDE). Hide yourself in that corner.
SCENE XVII.--ARGAN, TOINETTE.
ARG. Is there no danger in counterfeiting death?
TOI. No, no. What danger can there be? Only stretch yourself there. It
will be so pleasant to put your brother to confusion. Here is my
mistress. Mind you keep still.
SCENE XVIII.--BELINE, ARGAN (_stretched out in his chair_),
TOINETTE.
TOI. (_pretending not to see_ BELINE). Ah heavens! Ah! what a
misfortune! What a strange accident!
BEL. What is the matter, Toinette?
TOI. Ah! Madam!
BEL. What ails you?
TOI. Your husband is dead.
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