considerable sum of money.

Goulard
So you could, if you didn't pay me; but you shall pay me--your
obligations are now in the hands of the law.

Mme. Mercadet
Of the law?

Mercadet
Of the law! You are losing your senses, you don't know what you are
doing, you are ruining us both--yourself and me--at the same time.

Goulard (anxiously)
How?--You--that of course is possible--but--but--me?

Mercadet
Both of us, I tell you! Quick, sit down there--write--write--!

Goulard (mechanically taking his pen)
Write--write what?

Mercadet
Write to Delannoy that he must make them stay the proceedings, and
give me the thousand crowns which I absolutely need.

Goulard (throwing down the pen)
That is very likely, indeed!

Mercadet