DUPONT. In India! What are you talking about? She is in Paris. She has never been anywhere except in Paris. What should take her to India? [To Caroline] Your sister Angèle will have to come down from Paris because part of the money is in land. It will be sold, of course, but still I shall have to see Angèle. And that will set people talking. Lots of people don’t even know that I have three daughters. [To Julie] It’s lucky for you this didn’t happen before your marriage, Julie.
CAROLINE. Must she come, father?
DUPONT. Certainly she must. You must both be present at the lawyer’s together to sign the documents.
CAROLINE. I will not go the lawyer’s.
DUPONT. If you refuse to go Angèle will not be able to get her legacy, and she needs it.
CAROLINE. Well, perhaps I will go. I will think it over and consult someone. I will give you my answer tomorrow.
DUPONT. As you please. And not a word about this, remember, either of you.
JULIE. Very well, father.
CAROLINE [taking a letter from the mantelpiece] Courthezon brought this letter for you. It is about the printing work for the Prefecture.
DUPONT [He reads the letter]. Done, by Jove! Dumoulin gets the contract! Dumoulin! I expected this. I expected it. Uncle Maréchal has done it on purpose, curse him! [To Julie] How long have I been telling you you ought to pay him a visit. Have you been? No. And Antonin? Not he! Nor his father and mother! The old fool is offended, and this is his revenge. And if this goes on we shall never get a halfpenny of his money. Why haven’t you been to see him?