entrance into a heart in order to find entrance into a cash-box! What
an undertaking! Only women can do such things, and with men who are in
love with them.

Justin (without)
Yes, he is in.

Mercadet
It is he. (Violette appears.) Ah! my friend! It is dear old Violette!

Violette
This is the eleventh call within a week, my dear M. Mercadet, and my
actual necessity has driven me to wait for you three hours in the
street; I thought the truth was told me when I was assured that you
were in the country. But I came to-day--

Mercadet
Ah! Violette, old fellow, we are both hard up!

Violette
Humph! I don't think so. For my part, I've pledged everything I could
put in the pawn-shop.

Mercadet
So have we.

Violette
I have never reproached you with my ruin, for I believe it is your
intention to enrich me, as well as yourself; but still, fine words
butter no parsnips, and I am come to implore you to give me a small