Mercadet (taking a seat) What is the matter with you? You, a man of intelligence, of ability—a strong man, and yet you cause me all this trouble! You came here and I felt absolutely enraged against you—not because I was your friend, I confess it, but through selfishness. I look upon our interests as identical. I said to myself: I owe him so much that he is sure to give me his assistance when I have such a grand chance—like the one at this moment! And you are going to let out the whole business and to lose everything for the sake of a paltry sum! Everything! You are perhaps right in refusing me the thousand crowns—It is better, perhaps, to bury them in your coffers with the rest. All right! Send me to prison! Then, when all is gone, you'll have to look somewhere else for a friend!
Goulard (in a tone of self-reproach)
Mercadet!—my dear Mercadet!—But is it actually true?
Mercadet (rising from his seat)
Is it true? (to his wife) You would not believe he was so stupid. (To
Goulard) She has ended by becoming a daring speculator. (To his wife)
I may tell you, my dear, that Goulard is going to invest a large sum
in our great enterprise.
Mme. Mercadet (ashamed)
Sir!
Mercadet
What a misfortune it will be if it does not turn out well.
Goulard
Mercadet!—Are you talking about the Basse-Indre mines?
Mercadet Of course I am. (Aside) Ah! You have some of the Basse-Indre stock, I see.
Goulard
But the investment seems to me first-class.
Mercadet
First-class—Yes, for those who sold out yesterday.
Goulard
Have any stockholders sold out?