Mme. Mercadet M. Verdelin, listen to us-- Verdelin (to Julie) You don't know what he is asking, do you? Julie No. Verdelin He is asking for a thousand crowns, in order to arrange your marriage. Julie Then, forget, sir, all that I said to you; I do not wish for a marriage which has been purchased by the humiliation of my father. Mercadet (aside) She is magnificent! Verdelin Julie! I will go at once and get the money for you. (Exit.) SCENE FOURTEENTH The same persons, except Verdelin; then the servants. Julie Oh, father! Why did you not tell me? Mercadet (kissing her) You have saved us all! Ah! when shall I be so rich and powerful that I may make him repent of a favor done so grudgingly? Mme. Mercadet Do not be unjust; Verdelin yielded to your request. Mercadet He yielded to the cry of Julie, not to my request. Ah! my dear, he has extorted from me more than a thousand crowns' worth of humiliation! Justin (coming in with Therese and Virginie) The tradespeople. Virginie The milliner and the dressmaker-- Therese And the dry-goods merchants. Mercadet That is all right! I have succeeded in my scheme! My daughter shall be Comtesse de la Brive! (To the servants) Show them in! I am waiting, and the money is ready. (He goes proudly towards his study, while the servants look at him with surprise.) Curtain to the First Act. ACT II SCENE FIRST (Mercadet's study, containing book-shelves, a safe, a desk, an armchair and a sofa.) Minard and Justin, then Julie. Minard Did you say that M. Mercadet wished to speak with me? Justin Yes, sir. But mademoiselle has requested that you await her here. Minard (aside) Her father asks to see me. She wishes to speak to me before the interview. Something extraordinary must have happened. Justin Mademoiselle is here. (Enter Julie.) Minard (going towards her) Mlle. Julie! Julie Justin, inform my father that the gentleman has arrived. (Exit Justin.) If you wish, Adolphe, that our love should shine as bright in the sight of all as it does in our hearts, be as courageous as I have already been. Minard What has taken place? Julie A rich young suitor has presented himself, and my father is acting without any pity for us. Minard A rival! And you ask me if I have any courage! Tell me his name, Julie, and you will soon know whether I have any courage. Julie Adolphe! You make me shudder! Is this the way in which you are going to act with the hope of bending my father? Minard (seeing Mercadet approach) Here he comes. SCENE SECOND The same persons and Mercadet. Mercadet Sir, are you in love with my daughter? Minard Yes, sir. Mercadet That is, at least, what she believes, and you seem to have had the talent to persuade her that it is so.