Mercadet
Sir, one moment, a man of business is always careful to dot his i's.
De la Brive (under his voice)
Now we're in for it!
Mercadet With regard to your estate and your marshes,—I see all that can be got out of these marshes. The best way of utilizing them would be to form a company for the exploitation of the marshes of the Brive! There is more than a million in it!
De la Brive I quite understand that, sir. They need only to be thrown upon the market.
Mercadet (aside)
These words indicate a certain intelligence in this young man. (Aloud)
Have you any debts? Is your estate mortgaged?
Mericourt
You would not think much of my friend if he had not debts.
De la Brive I will be frank, sir, there is a mortgage of forty-five thousand francs on my estate.
Mercadet (aside)
An innocent young man! he might easily— (Rising from his seat. Aloud)
You have my consent; you shall be my son-in-law, and are the very man
I would choose for my daughter's husband. You do not realize what a
fortune you possess.
De la Brive (to Mericourt)
This is almost too good to be true.
Mericourt (to De la Brive)
He is dazzled by the good speculation which he sees ahead.