COV. Well! you have done a fine piece of work, with your lofty
sentiments.
CLE. What could I do? I have scruples on that subject which no
precedent could overcome.
COV. What nonsense to be serious with a man like that! Do you not see
that he is infatuated with one idea, and would it have cost you much
to fall in with his gentility?
CLE. I am afraid you are right; but the fact is I had not thought
before that it was necessary to show proofs of gentility in order to
become Mr. Jourdain's son-in-law.
COV. (_laughing_). Ha! ha! ha!
CLE. What are you laughing at?
COV. At the thought of something that has just come into my head; it
will play off our man, and help you to succeed in what you want.
CLE. How so?
COV. It is most amusing even to think of it.
CLE. What is it?
COV. We have had lately a certain masquerade, which seems to me the
very thing wanted, and which I mean to make use of to play a trick on
our absurd old fellow. The whole affair seems rather silly, but with
him we may risk many things; there is no need of much cunning, and he
is one to play his part wonderfully well, and to swallow greedily all
the nonsense we may venture to tell him. I have actors and costumes
all ready; only leave it to me.
CLE. But tell me....
COV. Yes, I must tell you all about it; but let us go away, for here
he is coming back again.