Mercadet
I never doubted it.
De la Brive
A chateau—
Mercadet
Good—
De la Brive And salt marshes, which can be worked as soon as the administration gives permission. They would yield enormous returns!
Mercadet Ah, sir, why have we been so late in becoming acquainted! Your land, then, must be on the seashore.
De la Brive
Without half a league of it.
Mercadet
And it is situated?
De la Brive
Near Bordeaux.
Mercadet
You have vineyards, then?
De la Brive No! fortunately not, for the disposal of wines is a troublesome matter, and, moreover, the cultivation of the vine is exceedingly expensive. My estate was planted with pine trees by my grandfather, a man of genius, who was wise enough to sacrifice himself to the welfare of his descendants. Besides, I have furniture, which you know—