Minard
You bring back life to me.
Mercadet Well, I suppose that is true, but so much the better, for I am very fond of you. You are simple, honorable. I am touched, I am delighted. I am even charmed. Ah! Let me once get hold of my six hundred thousand francs and—(Sees Pierquin enter) Here they come—
SCENE ELEVENTH
The same persons, Pierquin and Verdelin.
Mercadet (leading Pierquin to the front of the stage without perceiving
Verdelin)
Is it all right?
Pierquin (in some embarrassment)
It is all right. The stock is ours.
Mercadet (joyfully)
Bravo!
Verdelin (approaching Mercadet)
Good-day!
Mercadet
What! Verdelin—
Verdelin I find out that you have bought the stock before me, and that now I shall have to pay very much higher than I expected; but it is all right, it was well managed, and I am compelled to cry, "Hail to the King of the Exchange, Hail to the Napoleon of Finance!" (He laughs derisively.)