Mercadet That is, at least, what she believes, and you seem to have had the talent to persuade her that it is so.
Minard Your manner of expressing yourself implies a doubt on your part, which in any one else would have been offensive to me. Why should I not love mademoiselle? Abandoned by my parents, it was from your daughter, sir, that I have learned for the first time the happiness of affection. Mlle. Julie is at the same time a sister and a friend to me. She is my whole family. She alone has smiled upon me and has encouraged me; and my love for her is beyond what language can express!
Julie
Must I remain here, father?
Mercadet (to his daughter) Swallow it all! (To Minard) Sir, with regard to the love of young people I have those positive ideas which are considered peculiar to old men. My distrust of such love is all the more permissible because I am not the father blinded by paternal affection. I see Julie exactly as she is; without being absolutely plain, she has none of that beauty that makes people cry out, "See!" She is quite mediocre.
Minard You are mistaken, sir; I venture to say that you do not know your daughter.
Mercadet
Permit me—
Minard
You do not know her, sir.
Mercadet
But I know her perfectly well—as if—in a word, I know her—
Minard
No, sir, you do not.
Mercadet
Do you mean to contradict me again, sir?