ACT III
SCENE FIRST
(Another apartment in Mercadet's house, well furnished. At the back and in the centre is a mantel-piece, having instead of a mirror a clear plate of glass; side doors; a large table, surrounded by chairs, in the middle of the stage; sofa and armchairs.)
Justin, Therese and Virginie, then Mercadet.
(Justin enters first and beckons to Therese. Virginie, carrying papers, sits insolently on the sofa. Justin looks through the keyhole of the door on the left side and listens.)
Therese Is it possible that they could pretend to conceal from us the condition of their affairs?
Virginie Old Gruneau tells me that the master is soon to be arrested; I hope that what I have spent will be taken account of, for he owes me the money for these bills, besides my wages!
Therese Oh! set your mind at rest. We are likely to lose everything, for the master is bankrupt.
Justin
I can't hear anything. They speak too low! They don't trust us.
Virginie
It is frightful!