Julie No, I trust you no longer. (In a low voice to her mother) My only happiness would have been to be his.
Justin (announcing visitors)
M. de la Brive! M. de Mericourt!
Mercadet Take your daughter away, madame. M. Minard, follow me. (To Justin) Ask them to wait here for a while. (To Minard) I am well satisfied with you.
(Mme. Mercadet and Julie, Mercadet and Minard go out in opposite directions, while Justin admits Mericourt and De la Brive.)
SCENE FOURTH
De la Brive and Mericourt.
Justin
M. Mercadet begs that the gentlemen will wait for him here. (Exit.)
Mericourt At last, my dear friend, you are on the ground, and you will be very soon officially recognized as Mlle. Mercadet's intended! Steer your bark well, for the father is a deep one.
De la Brive
That is what frightens me, for difficulties loom ahead.
Mericourt I do not believe so; Mercadet is a speculator, rich to-day, to-morrow possibly a beggar. With the little I know of his affairs from his wife, I am led to believe that he is enchanted with the prospect of depositing a part of his fortune in the name of his daughter, and of obtaining a son-in-law capable of assisting him in carrying out his financial schemes.