Minard
She will accuse me of being a fortune hunter.
Mercadet
She will be indebted to you for having secured her happiness.
Minard (despairingly)
She will despise me, sir!
Mercadet That is probable! But if I have read your heart aright, your love for her is such that you will sacrifice yourself completely to the happiness of her life. But here she comes, sir, and her mother is with her. It is on their account that I make this request to you, sir; can I count on you?
Minard
You—can.
Mercadet
Very good—I thank you.
SCENE THIRD
The preceding, Julie and Mme. Mercadet.
Julie
Come, mother, I am sure that Adolphe has triumphed over all obstacles.
Mme. Mercadet My dear, M. Minard has asked of you the hand of Julie. What answer have you given him?