Ber. To answer without anger to anything I may mention.
Arg. Very well.
Ber. And to reason together upon the business I want to discuss with you without any irritation.
Arg. Dear me! Yes. What a preamble!
Ber. How is it, brother, that, with all the wealth you possess, and with only one daughter—for I do not count the little one—you speak of sending her to a convent?
Arg. How is it, brother, that I am master of my family, and that I can do all I think fit?
Ber. Your wife doesn’t fail to advise you to get rid, in that way, of your two daughters; and I have no doubt that, through a spirit of charity, she would be charmed to see them both good nuns.
Arg. Oh, I see! My poor wife again! It is she who does all the harm, and everybody is against her.
Ber. No, brother; let us leave that alone. She is a woman with the best intentions in the world for the good of your family, and is free from all interested motives. She expresses for you the most extraordinary tenderness, and shows towards your children an inconceivable goodness. No, don’t let us speak of her, but only of your daughter. What can be your reason for wishing to give her in marriage to the sort of a doctor?
Arg. My reason is that I wish to have a son-in-law who will suit my wants.