Mercadet
After eight years without any news, you are still expecting Godeau!
You seem to me like those old soldiers who are waiting for the return
of Napoleon.
Mme. Mercadet
They are ringing again.
Mercadet Julie, go and see who it is, and tell them that your mother and I have gone out. If any one is shameless enough to disbelieve a young girl— it must be a creditor—let him come in.
(Exit Julie.)
Mme. Mercadet This love she speaks of, and which, at least on her side, is sincere, disturbs me greatly.
Mercadet
You women are all too romantic.
Julie (returning)
It is M. Pierquin, papa.
Mercadet A creditor and usurer—a vile and violent soul, who humors me because he thinks me a man of resources; a wild beast only half-tamed yet cowed by my audacity. If I showed fear he would devour me. (Going to the door.) Come in, Pierquin, come in.
SCENE EIGHTH
The same persons and Pierquin.