Minard
More than poor! There is nothing beyond that.
Mercadet Yes, sir, we are in debt, deeply in debt, and some of these debts clamor for payment.
Minard
No, no, it is impossible!
Mercadet Don't you believe it? (Aside) He is getting frightened. (Taking up a pile of papers from his desk. Aloud) Here, my would-be son-in-law, are the family papers which will show you our fortune—
Minard
Sir—
Mercadet Or rather our lack of fortune! Read— Here is a writ of attachment on our furniture.
Minard
Can it be possible?
Mercadet It is perfectly possible! Here are judgments by the score! Here is a writ of my arrest. You see in what straits we are! Here you see all my sales, the protests on my notes and the judgments classed in order— for, young man, understand well in a disordered condition of things, order is above all things necessary. When disorder is well arranged it can be relieved and controlled— What can a debtor say when he sees his debt entered up under his number? I make the government my model. All payments are made in alphabetic order. I have not yet touched the letter A. (He replaces the papers.)
Minard
You haven't yet paid anything?
Mercadet Scarcely anything. You know the condition of my expenses. You know, because you are a book-keeper. See, (picking up the papers again) the total debit is three hundred and eighty thousand.