MRS. JOUR. Alas, alas! my husband is gone out of his mind.
MR. JOUR. (getting up and walking off). Peace! Show respect to the mamamouchi.
MRS. JOUR. (alone). Where can he have lost his senses? I must run after him and prevent him from going out! (Seeing DORIMÈNE and DORANTE.) Oh dear! Oh dear! Here's the last straw! I see nothing but trouble and disgrace everywhere!
SCENE II.—DORANTE, DORIMÈNE.
DOR. Yes, Madam, it is the most amusing thing that you ever saw, and I do not think that there is in the whole world a man as, crazy as this one. Moreover, we must try to help Cléonte and back up his masquerade. He is a most excellent fellow, and one who deserves all your interest.
DORI. I have the greatest esteem for him, and he is worthy of all success.
DOR. We also have here, Madam, a ballet due to us. We must not miss it, for I should be glad to see if my idea succeeds.
DORI. I saw magnificent preparations yonder; and this is a state of things, Dorante, with which I can bear no longer. Yes, I must put an end to your profusion; and in order to cut short all the expenses I see you run into for me, I have decided upon marrying you as soon as possible. This is the real secret of my decision; all these things, as you know, end ever in matrimony.
DOR. Ah, Madam, is it possible that you should have come to such a kind determination in my favour?
DORI. It is only to prevent you from ruining yourself, for, if I am not quick, I clearly see that before long you will not have a penny left.