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! Mercadet Thirty thousand francs. (Aside) They might be tripled by buying some of Verdelin's stock and then doubled with-- No, no. (To Minard) My boy, you are at the age of self-sacrifice. If I could pay two hundred francs with thirty thousand, the fortune of France, of myself and of most people would be made. No, keep your money! Minard What! You refuse it? Mercadet (aside) If with this I could keep them quiet for a month, if by some bold stoke I could revive the depression in my property, it might be all right. But the money of these poor children, it cuts me to the heart to think of it, for when they are in tears people calculate amiss; it is not well to risk the money of any but fellow-brokers--no--no (Aloud) Adolphe, you may marry my daughter. Minard Oh! Sir--Julie--my own Julie-- Mercadet That is, of course, as soon as she has three hundred thousand francs as dowry. Mme. Mercadet My dear! Julie Papa! Minard Ah, sir! How long are you going to put me off? Mercadet Put you off? She will have it in a month! Perhaps sooner-- All How is that? Mercadet Yes, by the use of my brains--and a little money. (Minard holds out his pocket-book.) But lock up those bills! And come, take away my wife and daughter. I want to be alone. Mme. Mercadet (aside) Is he going to hatch some plot against his creditors? I must find out. Come, Julie. Julie Papa, how good you are! Mercadet Nonsense! Julie I love you so much. Mercadet Nonsense! 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.