Julie
Adolphe, I do not thank you, I shall have all my life for that.
Minard
Dearest Julie!
Mercadet (leading them out) Come, now, you had better breathe out your idyls in some more retired spot.
(They go out.)
SCENE THIRD
Mercadet, then De la Brive.
Mercadet I have resisted—it was a good impulse! But I was wrong to obey it. If I finally yield to the temptation, I can make their little capital worth very much more. I shall manage this fortune for them. My poor daughter has indeed a good lover. What hearts of gold are theirs! Dear children! (Goes towards the door at the right.) I must make their fortune. De la Brive is here awaiting me. (Looking through the open door) I believe he is asleep. I gave him a little too much wine, so as to handle him more easily. (Shouting) Michonnin! The constable! The constable!
De la Brive (coming out, rubbing his eyes)
Hello! What are you saying?
Mercadet Don't be frightened, I only wanted to wake you up. (Takes his seat at the table.)
De la Brive (sitting at the other side of the table) Sir, an orgie acts on the mind like a storm on the country. It brings on refreshment, it clothes with verdure! And ideas spring forth and bloom! /In vino varietas/!