The same persons, except Verdelin; then the servants.
Julie
Oh, father! Why did you not tell me?
Mercadet (kissing her) You have saved us all! Ah! when shall I be so rich and powerful that I may make him repent of a favor done so grudgingly?
Mme. Mercadet
Do not be unjust; Verdelin yielded to your request.
Mercadet He yielded to the cry of Julie, not to my request. Ah! my dear, he has extorted from me more than a thousand crowns' worth of humiliation!
Justin (coming in with Therese and Virginie)
The tradespeople.
Virginie
The milliner and the dressmaker—
Therese
And the dry-goods merchants.
Mercadet That is all right! I have succeeded in my scheme! My daughter shall be Comtesse de la Brive! (To the servants) Show them in! I am waiting, and the money is ready. (He goes proudly towards his study, while the servants look at him with surprise.)
Curtain to the First Act.