DORINE
Then mum's the word; I'll take it out in thinking.
ORGON
Think all you please; but not a syllable
To me about it, or . . . you understand!
(Turning to his daughter.)
As a wise father, I've considered all
With due deliberation.
DORINE
I'll go mad
If I can't speak.
(She stops the instant he turns his head.)
ORGON
Though he's no lady's man,
Tartuffe is well enough . . .
DORINE
A pretty phiz!
ORGON
So that, although you may not care at all
For his best qualities . . .
DORINE
A handsome dowry!
(Orgon turns and stands in front of her, with arms folded, eyeing
her.)
Were I in her place, any man should rue it
Who married me by force, that's mighty certain;
I'd let him know, and that within a week,
A woman's vengeance isn't far to seek.
ORGON (to Dorine)
So--nothing that I say has any weight?
DORINE
Eh? What's wrong now? I didn't speak to you.
ORGON
What were you doing?
DORINE
Talking to myself.
ORGON
Oh! Very well. (Aside.) Her monstrous impudence
Must be chastised with one good slap in the face.
(He stands ready to strike her, and, each time he speaks to his
daughter, he glances toward her; but she stands still and says not a
word.) [3]
[Footnote 3: As given at the Comedie francaise, the action is as
follows: While Orgon says, "You must approve of my design," Dorine is
making signs to Mariane to resist his orders; Orgon turns around
suddenly; but Dorine quickly changes her gesture and with the hand
which she had lifted calmly arranges her hair and her cap.
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