Mancini
[Holds out his hand]: Give me ten francs! Quick—ten francs—here, come on. [Puts it automatically into his vest pocket.] Listen, He! If in a month I don't have a car of my own, you may give me one of your slaps!
He
What! He's going to marry? He's decided?
Mancini
What do you mean by "decided?" [Laughs.] When a man has the rope about his neck, you don't ask him about his health! Baron—[Stops suddenly, startled. Briquet is staggering in like a drunken man, his hand over his eyes.]
He
[Goes to him, touches his shoulder gently]: What is the matter, Papa Briquet? Tell me!
Briquet
[Groaning]: Oh, oh, I can't ... I can't ... Ah——