De la Brive (to Mericourt. Gazing at Julie through his eyeglass)
A fine girl. (To Madame Mercadet) Like mother, like daughter. Madame,
I place my hopes under your protection.
Mme. Mercadet
Anyone introduced by M. Mericourt would be welcome here.
Julie (to her father)
What a coxcomb!
Mercadet (to his daughter) He is enormously rich. We shall all be millionaires! He is an excessively clever fellow. Now, do try and be amiable, as you ought to be.
Julie (answering him) What would you wish me to say to a dandy whom I have just seen for the first time, and whom you destine for my husband?
De la Brive May I be permitted to hope, mademoiselle, that you will look favorably upon me?
Julie
My duty is to obey my father.
De la Brive
Young people are not always aware of the feelings which they inspire.
For two months I have been longing for the happiness of paying my
respects to you.
Julie Who can be more flattered than I am, sir, to find that I have attracted your attention?
Mme. Mercadet (to Mericourt)
He is a fine fellow. (Aloud) We hope that you and your friend M. de la
Brive will do us the pleasure of accepting our invitation to dine
without ceremony?