SCENE NINTH


Mme. Mercadet, Julie, and later, Servants.


Julie
O mamma! I cannot marry this M. de la Brive!

Mme. Mercadet
But he is rich, you know.

Julie
But I prefer happiness and poverty, to unhappiness and wealth.

Mme. Mercadet
My child, happiness is impossible in poverty, while there is no
misfortune that wealth cannot alleviate.

Julie
How can you say such sad words to me?

Mme. Mercadet
Children should learn a lesson from the experience of parents. We are
at present having a very bitter taste of life's vicissitudes. Take my
advice, daughter, and marry wealth.