Mercadet (to his wife) My message astounded him. (To Justin) Beg him to come in. (Justin goes out.) Goulard! The most intractable of them all!—who has three bailiffs in his employ. But fortunately he is a greedy though timid speculator who engages in the most risky affairs and trembles all the time they are being conducted.
Justin (announcing)
M. Goulard!
(Exit Justin.)
SCENE SIXTH
The same persons and Goulard.
Goulard (in anger)
Ah! you can be found, sir, when you want to be!
Mme. Mercadet (aside to her husband)
My dear, how angry he seems!
Mercadet (making a sign that she should be calm)
This is one of my creditors, my dear.
Goulard
Yes, and I sha'n't leave this house until you pay me.
Mercadet (aside) You sha'n't leave this house until you give me some money—(Aloud) Ah! you have persecuted me most unkindly—me, a man with whom you have had such extensive dealings!