The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-01-03

own the trick he tried to play on poor
Taitrffe. I know all about this BUSH
ness."
IT wonder more and moro at your
strange weakness" said Elmire. what
answer would your credulity give, won
der, If I made you see that Damis told
the trrth?'
Rubbish said Orgon.
still, suppose you were to see and hear
for YOURSELF What then would you say
of your pious man?' insisted Elmire
I'm that case" answered Orgon, IT
should say-I should say nothing; for it is
impossible"
You must be a witness to the truth of
what have said, to satisfy me-" declared
Elmire. You have taxed me with false
hood"
Orgon consented unwillingly and Elmire
! hid him under a large table that stood in
the room. Then she sent Dorine after
Tartuffe, asking her to hint to Tartuffe
that she wanted to see him alone again
and continue the conversation that had
been interrupted.
do you think we can catch him a Sec
ond timer asked Dorine doubtfully. He
is very crafty and will be on his guard"
Nay" said Elmire, ''he is as conceited
as he is cunning. He will deceive himself
through his own vanity"
IT am going to speak strangely to him, j"
said Elmire addressing her husband for
must mako him drop his mask AS I
shall affect to return his love only to con-
vince you, 1t is for you to stop the affair
as soon as you are satisfied, and to spare
your wife as soon as possible. That is
| your concern. You can act as soon as
| you like"
| When Tartuffe entered he was cautious
at first, but Elmire soon treasured him,
! explaining that her confusion in the MORN
| ing had been so great that she did not
know what to say. Cleverly she led him
| to believe that she had asked him to re-
nounce Marianne's hand only out of jeal-
ousy. Thoroughly deceived at last, Tar
tuffe made love to her without conceal
ment.
| Seeing no sign of displeasure he ap-
preached her to seize her hands again,
| but she evaded him and begged him to go
| to the door to make sure that nobody was
| near. While he was doing this Orgon
came from his hiding place, overcome
with rage
| why so soonT' whispered Elmire iron
ically. You should not believe things too
lightly you know
Never did hell produce anything more
wicked!' responded Orgon in a choking
voice. Elmire quickly stepped in front
of him, and Tartuffe, returning, came
with open arms to embrace her. Then
he saw Orgon, who stepped forward and
began to denounce him.
What! Can you believe" began
! Tartuffe, coolly assuming his part.
"Come No noisel' Numbered Orgon.
"Out of this house and without cere-
monyl'
| 1T is for you to leave this house." said
| Tartuffe, but without dropping his mask.
| ."rhe house belongs to me and will soon
show you that it is in vain to resort to
| these base falsehoods. l can confound and
| punish imposture and make those repent
| who speak of driving me hence
! Elmire looked at Orgon in amazement.
| what does he mean?" asked she, as Tar
! Orgon looked confused and deeply
| ashamed. Alas" said he Il fear that he
| is right. l gave him deed of gift, think
ing that he would marry Marianne" Then
! suddenly, he turned pale. Another thing
troubles me-" said he. THE casket! The
casket 1t is casket that our unfortu-
nate friend Argan entrusted to my keep
ing when he fed. He told me that 1t con-
tanned political papers on which his for
tune and life depended. l was fool enough
tn let Tartuffe know of it, and he man
aged to induce me to trust the thing to
him."
While he was speaking Mime. Pernelle
entered. Orgon at once poured forth his
troubles to her. To his establishment the
old lady said calmly; Good people are
always subject to envy"