Justin (without)
Yes, he is in.
Mercadet
It is he. (Violette appears.) Ah! my friend! It is dear old Violette!
Violette This is the eleventh call within a week, my dear M. Mercadet, and my actual necessity has driven me to wait for you three hours in the street; I thought the truth was told me when I was assured that you were in the country. But I came to-day—
Mercadet
Ah! Violette, old fellow, we are both hard up!
Violette Humph! I don't think so. For my part, I've pledged everything I could put in the pawn-shop.
Mercadet
So have we.
Violette I have never reproached you with my ruin, for I believe it is your intention to enrich me, as well as yourself; but still, fine words butter no parsnips, and I am come to implore you to give me a small sum on account, and by so doing you will save the lives of a whole family.
Mercadet My dear old Violette, you grieve me deeply! Be reasonable and I will share with you. (In a low voice) We have scarcely a hundred francs in the house, and even that is my daughter's money.
Violette
Is it possible! You, Mercadet, whom I have known so rich?
Mercadet
I conceal nothing from you.