Mercadet (somewhat abashed)
What does he mean?
Verdelin
I'm only repeating what you said yesterday—
Mercadet
What I said?
Pierquin
The fact of it is, Verdelin does not believe in the return of Godeau—
Minard
Ah, sir!
Mercadet
Is there any doubt about it?
Verdelin (ironically) Doubt about it! There is more than doubt about it. I at once concluded that this so-called return was the bold stroke that you spoke of yesterday.
Mercadet
I—(Aside) Stupid of me!
Verdelin I concluded that, relying upon the presence of this fictitious Godeau, you made purchases with the idea of paying on the rise, which would follow to-morrow, and that to-day you have actually not a single sou—
Mercadet
You had imagined all that?