(Julie enters.)

Mme. Mercadet
Here comes our daughter. Julie, your father and I have something to
say to you on a subject which is always agreeable to a young girl.

Julie
M. Minard has then spoken to you, father?

Mercadet
M. Minard! Did you expect, madame, to find a M. Minard reigning in the
heart of your daughter? Is not this M. Minard that under clerk of
mine?

Julie
Yes, papa.

Mercadet
Do you love him?

Julie
Yes, papa.

Mercadet
But besides loving, it is necessary for a person to be loved.

Mme. Mercadet
Does he love you?

Julie