SCENE IV.--HARPAGON (_alone_.)


This rascally valet is a constant vexation to me; and I hate the very
sight of the good-for-nothing cripple. Really, it is no small anxiety
to keep by one a large sum of money; and happy is the man who has all
his cash well invested, and who needs not keep by him more than he
wants for his daily expenses. I am not a little puzzled to find in the
whole of this house a safe hiding-place. Don't speak to me of your
strong boxes, I will never trust to them. Why, they are just the very
things thieves set upon!




SCENE V.--_HARPAGON; ELISE and CLEANTE are seen talking together at
the back of the stage._


HAR. (_thinking himself alone_.) Meanwhile, I hardly know whether
I did right to bury in my garden the ten thousand crowns which were
paid to me yesterday. Ten thousand crowns in gold is a sum
sufficiently.... (_Aside, on perceiving_ ELISE _and_ CLEANTE
_whispering together_) Good heavens! I have betrayed myself; my
warmth has carried me away. I believe I spoke aloud while reasoning
with myself. (_To_ CLEANTE _and_ ELISE) What do you want?

CLE. Nothing, father.