Act 1, Scene 9 Summary

Mr. de Bonnefoi, the notary, enters the room upon Argan's urging. Argan replies to the notary that he knows that Mr. de Bonnefoi is a trusted friend of his wife's, and thus, he too, trusts him with his will. Mr. de Bonnefoi argues that it is against custom to will anything to his wife. The only thing the couple may do is make a donation while they are alive, providing that there are no children.

Argan asks Mr. de Bonnefoi what he must do to ensure that his wife, not his children, gets his fortune. The notary suggests that Argan will his money to a trusted friend of his wife who will then give it to her. Beline protests, telling Argan that there is no need because she will be unable to live without him. Argan tells her that he has...