LUC. I! I wish you to die!
CLE. Yes, you wish it.
LUC. Who told you such a thing?
CLE. Is it not wishing it, to refuse to clear up my suspicions?
LUC. Is it my fault? If you had but listened to me, I would have told you at once that the treatment you complain of was caused by the presence of an old aunt, who persists in saying that the mere approach of a man is dishonour to a girl; she is always lecturing us about it, and depicts all men to us as so many scamps whom we ought always to avoid.
NIC. (to COVIELLE.) This is the whole secret of the affair.
CLE. (to LUCILE). Are you not deceiving me, Lucile?
COV. (to NICOLE). Are you not imposing upon me?
LUC. It is the exact truth.
NIC. That's how it is.