Violette
But say—why couldn't I—?
Mme. Mercadet (entering)
M. Verdelin has come, my dear.
Mercadet (aside) Good, good! (Aloud) Just detain him a minute. (Mme. Mercadet goes out.) Well, good-bye, dear old Violette—
Violette (pulling out a greasy pocketbook) Wait a moment—here, I have the money with me—and will give it you beforehand.
Mercadet
You! Six thousand francs!
Violette
A friend asked me to invest it for him, and—
Mercadet And you couldn't find a better opening. We'll sign the contract presently! (He takes the bills.) This closes the deal—and so much the worse for Verdelin—he has missed a gold mine!
Violette
Well, I'll see you later.
Mercadet
Yes—see you later! You can get out through my study.
(Mercadet shows Violette the way out. Mme. Mercadet enters.)