VALERE: And you consent to this?
ISABELLE: It's better so, Valere. I gave you my heart by order of my father. I obeyed him. He now intends, wisely, that I separate from you. It must be admitted frankly that I am not sure of a like obedience. But I am going.
VALERE: What, sir, deny me all hope?
GERONTE: Better to give you no hope when I have none. You hoped to get 40,000 ecus restitution from your aunts. I tell you again, these two extravagants intend to keep that forfeiture, saying you cannot get it from us unless one of us marries. They're both over fifty. It's a joke to believe that will happen. I need money. My wealth is perishing. Expenses are ruining me. So, as a wise man, I ought to go back to the country and contract a marriage that will get me out of this financial trouble.
VALERE: True, but—
GERONTE: Let's break it off, then. It's with great shame, but tomorrow we part, that's certain.
ISABELLE: Oh, Valere; if I'm under orders from my father, be sure that in parting—
GERONTE: (taking Isabelle by the arm) Let's shorten the goodbyes. When one must leave, the shortest is the best.
(Exit Isabelle and Geronte)
VALERE: I am in despair. This parting kills me.