the expenses of our living. Moreover, love will help us to pass
through the days of hardship. Adolphe has ambition, like all those who
are of lofty soul, and these are the successful men--

Mercadet
Success is within reach of the bachelor, but, when a man is married,
he exhausts himself in meeting his expenses, and runs after a thousand
franc bill as a dog runs after a carriage.

Julie
But, papa, Adolphe has strength of will, united with such capacity
that I feel sure I shall see him some day a Minister, perhaps--

Mercadet
In these days, who is there that does not indulge more or less the
hope of being a minister? When a man leaves college he thinks himself
a great poet, or a great orator! Do you know what your Adolphe will
really become?--Why, the father of several children, who will utterly
disarrange your plans of work and economy, who will end by landing his
excellency in the debtor's prison, and who will plunge you into the
most frightful poverty. What you have related to me is the romance and
not the reality of life.

Mme. Mercadet
Daughter, there can be nothing serious in this love of yours.

Julie
It is a love to which both of us are willing to sacrifice everything.

Mercadet