SIM. No; I cannot tell you anything for certain, as it was by mere
chance that I was made acquainted with him; but he will tell you
everything himself, and his servant has assured me that you will be
quite satisfied when you know who he is. All I can tell you is that
his family is said to be very wealthy, that he has already lost his
mother, and that he will pledge you his word, if you insist upon it,
that his father will die before eight months are passed.

HAR. That is something. Charity, Mr. Simon, demands of us to gratify
people whenever we have it in our power.

SIM. Evidently.

LA FL. (_aside to_ CLEANTE, _on recognising_ MR. SIMON).
What does this mean? Mr. Simon talking with your father!

CLE. (_aside to_ LA FLECHE). Has he been told who I am, and would
you be capable of betraying me?

SIM. (_to_ CLEANTE _and_ LA FLECHE). Ah! you are in good
time! But who told you to come here? (_To_ HARPAGON) It was
certainly not I who told them your name and address; but I am of
opinion that there is no great harm done; they are people who can be
trusted, and you can come to some understanding together.

HAR. What!

SIM. (_showing_ CLEANTE). This is the gentleman who wants to
borrow the fifteen thousand francs of which I have spoken to you.