Minard
Yes, sir. The balance is entered here.
Mercadet You can understand then how you must make me shudder when you come before my daughter with your fine protestations! Since to marry a poor girl with nothing but an income of eighteen hundred francs, is like inviting in wedlock a protested note with a writ of execution.
Minard (lost in thought)
Ruined, ruined! And without resources!
Mercadet (aside) I thought that would upset him. (Aloud) Come, now, young man, what are you going to do?
Minard
First, I thank you, sir, for the frankness of your admissions.
Mercadet
That is good! And what of the ideal, and your love for my daughter?
Minard
You have opened my eyes, sir.
Mercadet (aside)
I am glad to hear it.
Minard I thought that I already loved her with a love that was boundless, and now I love her a hundred times more.
Mercadet
The deuce you do!