Mercadet Write to Delannoy that he must make them stay the proceedings, and give me the thousand crowns which I absolutely need.
Goulard (throwing down the pen)
That is very likely, indeed!
Mercadet
You hesitate, and, when I am on the eve of marrying my daughter to a
man immensely wealthy—that is the time you choose to cause my arrest.
And by that means you are killing both your capital and interest!
Goulard
Ah! you are going to marry your daughter—
Mercadet To the Comte de la Brive; he possesses as many thousand francs as he is years old!
Goulard Then if he is up in years, there is reason for giving you some delay. But the thousand crowns—the thousand crowns—never.—I am quite decided on that point. I will give you nothing, neither delay nor—I must go now—
Mercadet (with energy) Very well! You can go if you like, you ungrateful fellow!—But don't forget that I have done my best to save you.
Goulard (turning back)
Me?—To save me—from what?
Mercadet (aside)
I have him now. (Aloud) From what?—From the most complete ruin.
Goulard
Ruin? It is impossible.