Mercadet To take pot-luck with us. (To De la Brive) You must excuse our simplicity.
Justin (entering, in a low voice to Mercadet)
M. Pierquin wishes to speak to you, monsieur.
Mercadet (low)
Pierquin?
Justin
He says it is concerning an important and urgent matter.
Mercadet What can he want with me? Let him come in. (Justin goes out. Aloud) My dear, these gentlemen must be tired. Won't you take them into the drawing-room? M. de la Brive, give my daughter you arm.
De la Brive
Mademoiselle— (offers her his arm)
Julie (aside)
He is handsome, he is rich—why does he choose me?
Mme. Mercadet M. de Mericourt, will you come and see the picture which we are going to raffle off for the benefit of the poor orphans?
Mericourt
With pleasure, madame.
Mercadet
Go on. I shall be with you in a moment.