Julie
Papa!

Minard
Ah, sir! How long are you going to put me off?

Mercadet
Put you off? She will have it in a month! Perhaps sooner—

All
How is that?

Mercadet Yes, by the use of my brains—and a little money. (Minard holds out his pocket-book.) But lock up those bills! And come, take away my wife and daughter. I want to be alone.

Mme. Mercadet (aside)
Is he going to hatch some plot against his creditors? I must find out.
Come, Julie.

Julie
Papa, how good you are!

Mercadet
Nonsense!

Julie
I love you so much.

Mercadet
Nonsense!