You have actually ordered them to be admitted?

Mercadet
That I may meet them as I ought to!--(taking her hand.) I am at the
end of my resources; the time has come for a master-stroke, and Julie
must come to our assistance.

Mme. Mercadet
What, my daughter!

Mercadet
My creditors are pressing me, and harassing me. I must manage to make
a brilliant match for Julie. This will dazzle them; they will give me
more time. But in order that this brilliant marriage may take place,
these gentlemen must give me more money.

Mme. Mercadet
They give you more money!

Mercadet
Isn't there need of it for the dresses which they are sending to you,
and for the trousseau which I am giving? And a suitable trousseau to
go with the dowry of two hundred thousand francs, will cost fifteen
thousand.

Mme. Mercadet
But you are utterly unable to give such a dowry.

Mercadet (rising)
All the more reason why I should give the trousseau. Now this is what