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 gla.s.s; 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!

Justin (with his ear to the half-open door) Wait, I think I hear something.

(The door bursts open and Mercadet appears.)

Mercadet (to Justin) Don't let me disturb you.

Justin Sir, I--I--was just putting--

Mercadet Really! (To Virginie, who jumps up suddenly from the sofa) Keep your seat, Mlle. Virginie, and you, M. Justin, why didn't you come in? We were talking about my business.

Justin You amuse me, sir.

Mercadet I am heartily glad of it.

Justin You take trouble easy, sir.

Mercadet (severely) That will do, all of you. And remember that from this time forth I see all who call. Treat no one either with insolence or too much humility, for you will meet here no creditors, but such as have been paid.

Justin Oh, bosh!

Mercadet Go!

(The central door opens. Mme. Mercadet, Julie and Minard appear. The servants leave the room.)

SCENE SECOND

Mercadet, Mme. Mercadet, Julie and Minard.

Mercadet (aside) I am annoyed to see my wife and daughter here. In my present circ.u.mstances, women are likely to spoil everything, for they have nerves. (Aloud) What is it, Mme. Mercadet?

Mme. Mercadet Sir, you were counting on the marriage of Julie to establish your credit and rea.s.sure your creditors, but the event of yesterday has put you at their mercy--

Mercadet Do you think so? Well, you are quite mistaken. I beg your pardon, M.

Minard, but what brings you here?

Minard Sir--I--

Julie Father--it is--

Mercadet Are you come to ask again for my daughter?

Minard Yes, sir.

Mercadet But everybody says that I am going to fail--

Minard I know it, sir.

Mercadet And would you marry the daughter of a bankrupt?

Minard Yes, for I would work to re-establish him.

Julie That's good, Adolphe.

Mercadet (aside) A fine young fellow. I will give him an interest in the first big business I do.

Minard I have made known my attachment to the man I look upon as a father. He has informed me--that I am the possessor of a small fortune--

Mercadet A fortune!

Minard When I was confided to his care, a sum of money was entrusted to him, which has increased by interest, and I now possess thirty thousand francs.

Mercadet Thirty thousand francs!

Minard On learning of the disaster that had befallen you, I realized this sum, and I bring it to you, sir; for sometimes in these cases an arrangement can be made by paying something on account--

Mme. Mercadet He has an excellent heart!

Julie (with pride) Yes, indeed, papa!