Madame Fourchambault--This is too much! Is it my fault that you don't understand business? If you haven't had the wit to make the best use of your way of living and your family connections--any one else--
Fourchambault--Quite likely! But I am petty enough to be a scrupulous man, and to wish to remain one.
Madame Fourchambault--Pooh! That's the excuse of all the dolts who can't succeed. They set up to be the only honest fellows in business. In my opinion, Monsieur, a timid and mediocre man should not insist upon remaining at the head of a bank, but should turn the position over to his son.
Fourchambault--You are still harping on that? But, my dear, you might as well bury me alive! Already I'm a mere cipher in my family.
Madame Fourchambault--You do not choose your time well to pose as a victim, when like a tyrant you are refusing me a mere trifle.
Fourchambault--I refuse you nothing. I merely explain my position. Now do as you like. It is useless to expostulate.
Madame Fourchambault--At last! But you have wounded me to the heart, Adrien, and just when I had a surprise for you--
Fourchambault--What is your surprise? [Aside: It makes me tremble.]
Madame Fourchambault--Thanks to me, the Fourchambaults are going to triumph over the Duhamels.
Fourchambault--How?