(Violette goes in silence to Mercadet and grasps his hand. The two others follow his example, and then all the creditors form a ring round Mercadet.)
Mercadet (with seeming emotion)
Oh! Gentlemen—my friends—my dear comrades—my children!
SCENE SEVENTH
The same persons and Mme. Mercadet.
Mme. Mercadet (entering from the left)
Mercadet! My dear!
Mercadet (aside) It is my wife. I thought that she had gone out. She is going to ruin everything!
Mme. Mercadet
My dear! I see that you don't know what has happened?
Mercadet
I? No, I don't—if I—
Mme. Mercadet
Godeau is returned.
Mercadet
Ah! You say? (Aside) I wonder if she suspects—