Mercadet (aside)
He accepts an income from me!
(Mercadet retires towards the door on the left side.)
Mericourt (to De la Brive)
Are you satisfied?
De la Brive (to Mericourt)
I don't see the money for my debts.
Mericourt (to De la Brive) Wait a moment. (To Mercadet) My friend does not dare to tell you of it, but he is too honest for concealment. He has a few debts.
Mercadet Oh, please tell me. I understand perfectly—I suppose it is about fifty thousand you owe?
Mericourt
Very nearly—
De la Brive
Very nearly—
Mercadet
A mere trifle.
De la Brive (laughing)
Yes, a mere trifle!