The Village Coquette; Or, The Supposed Lottery

Produced by Frank J. Morlock
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Translated and Adapted by Frank J. Morlock C 1986
CHARACTERS: The Baron The Widow, his neighbor Argon, another neighbor Girard Lucas, farmer Lisette, the coquette
Girard (holding two letters and reading them) From Paris. To Monsieur Le Baron of Hamlet. Let's take care of this letter for him. He's not at home. (putting the Baron's letter in his pocket, he opens the other letter) And the other's for me, Girard. I dare to hope that the list of winning lottery numbers is in this letter. Right, my cousin, the master printer in Paris, favors the role I've taken. Love is my guide in this roguery. With this false lottery list I am going to obtain Lucas' daughter as my wife.
Widow (entering) I am waiting for Mr. Argon. Why hasn't he come?
Girard (reading the letter) From Paris. My dear cousin, before having distributed the list of lottery winners, I've sent you a false list, as you asked me to do, so you can have a big joke in your village. You can make your rival believe that Farmer Lucas won the grand prize of one hundred thousand francs. With this, I hope to obtain my Lisette. Lucas, believing his fortune made, will cede me his lease on the farm. He's the type to be caught in such a snare. At bottom, it's for his own good. By making me his son-in-law, he can't lose. (to Widow) But, why are you standing around dreaming?
Widow Because Mr. Argon is supposed to come find me.