Mme. Mercadet
Oh!
Mercadet (checking his wife by a sign) No more of this insolence! Otherwise, my dear sir, I shall be forced to demand a settlement of our accounts—and, my dear M. Pierquin, you will lose a good deal of the price at which you sold your money to me. And at the rate of interest you charge, I shall cost you more than the value of a farm in Bauce.
Pierquin
Sir—
Mercadet (haughtily) Sir, I shall soon be so rich that I will not endure to be twitted by any one—not even by a creditor.
Pierquin
But—
Mercadet Not a word—or I will pay you! Come into my private room and we will settle the business about which I asked you to come.
Pierquin
I am at your service, sir. (Aside) What a devil of a man!
(Pierquin and Mercadet bow to the ladies and enter Mercadet's room.)
Mercadet (following Pierquin; aside to his wife)
The wild beast is tamed. I'll get this one, too.