Mercadet
Me! Nothing—I—

SCENE THIRTEENTH

The same persons and Minard, followed by creditors.

Minard
I have done your errand.

Mercadet (trembling)
And you—have brought me—a few—bank-notes?

Minard A few bank-notes? Of course. M. Godeau wouldn't let me even mention the thirty thousand francs.

(Goulard and Violette rise. Minard stands before the table, surrounded by creditors.)

Mercadet
I can quite understand that.

Minard "You mean," he said, "a hundred thousand crowns; here are a hundred thousand crowns, with my compliments!" (He pulls out a large roll of bank-notes, which he places on the table.)

Mercadet (rushing to the table)
What the devil! (Looking at the notes) What is all this about?