Minard
Mademoiselle—Julie.
Julie
Let me finish; I must have my say.
Mercadet My daughter, go and see your mother, and let me speak of matters which are a great deal more material than these.
Julie
I will go, father—
Mercadet
Come back presently with your mother, my child.
(Mercadet kisses Julie and leads her to the door.)
Minard (aside)
I feel my hopes revive.
Mercadet (returning)
Sir, I am a ruined man.
Minard
What does that mean?
Mercadet Totally ruined. And if you wish to have my Julie, you are welcome to her. She will be much better off at your house, poor as you are, than in her paternal home. Not only is she without dowry, but she is burdened with poor parents—parents who are more than poor.