GÉRONTE, ARGANTE.

GER
Yes, there is no doubt but that with this weather we shall have our people with us to-day; and a sailor who has arrived from Tarentum told me just now that he had seen our man about to start with the ship. But my daughter's arrival will find things strangely altered from what we thought they would be, and what you have just told me of your son has put an end to all the plans we had made together.

ARG
Don't be anxious about that; I give you my word that I shall remove that obstacle, and I am going to see about it this moment.

GER
In all good faith, Mr. Argante, shall I tell you what? The education of children is a thing that one could never be too careful about.

ARG
You are right; but why do you say that?

GER
Because most of the follies of young men come from the way they have been brought up by their fathers.

ARG
It is so sometimes, certainly; but what do you mean by saying that to me?

GER
Why do I say that to you?

ARG
Yes.
GER
Because, if, like a courageous father, you had corrected your son when he was young, he would not have played you such a trick.

ARG
I see. So that you have corrected your own much better?

GER
Certainly; and I should be very sorry if he had done anything at all like what yours has done.

ARG
And if that son, so well brought up, had done worse even than mine, what would you say?

GER
What?

ARG
What?

GER
What do you mean?

ARG
I mean, Mr. Géronte, that we should never be so ready to blame the conduct of others, and that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

GER
I really do not understand you.
ARG
I will explain myself.

GER
Have you heard anything about my son?

ARG
Perhaps I have.

GER
But what?

ARG
Your servant Scapin, in his vexation, only told me the thing roughly, and you can learn all the particulars from him or from some one else. For my part, I will at once go to my solicitor, and see what steps I can take in the matter. Good-bye.