GÉRONTE, LÉANDRE.

GER
Ah, here you are!

LEA
(going quickly towards his father to embrace him). Ah! father, how glad I am to see you!

GER
(refusing to embrace him). Stay, I have to speak to you first.

LEA
Allow me to embrace you, and....

GER
(refusing him again). Gently, I tell you.

LEA
How! father, you deprive me of the pleasure of showing you my joy at your return?

GER
Certainly; we have something to settle first of all.

LEA
But what?
GER
Just stand there before me, and let me look at you.

LEA
What for?

GER
Look me straight in the face.

LEA
Well?

GER
Will you tell me what has taken place here in my absence?

LEA
What has taken place?

GER
Yes; what did you do while I was away?

LEA
What would you have me do, father?

GER
It is not I who wanted you to do anything, but who ask you now what it is you did?
LEA
I have done nothing to give you reason to complain.

GER
Nothing at all?

LEA
No.

GER
You speak in a very decided tone.

LEA
It is because I am innocent.

GER
And yet Scapin has told me all about you.

LEA
Scapin!

GER
Oh! oh! that name makes you change colour.

LEA
He has told you something about me?
GER
He has. But this is not the place to talk about the business, and we must go elsewhere to see to it. Go home at once; I will be there presently. Ah! scoundrel, if you mean to bring dishonour upon me, I will renounce you for my son, and you will have to avoid my presence for ever!