sum on account, and by so doing you will save the lives of a whole
family.

Mercadet
My dear old Violette, you grieve me deeply! Be reasonable and I will
share with you. (In a low voice) We have scarcely a hundred francs in
the house, and even that is my daughter's money.

Violette
Is it possible! You, Mercadet, whom I have known so rich?

Mercadet
I conceal nothing from you.

Violette
Unfortunate people owe it to each other to speak the truth.

Mercadet
Ah! If that were the only thing they owed how prompt would be the
payment! But keep this as a secret, for I am on the point of making a
good match for my daughter.

Violette
I have two daughters, sir, and they work without hope of being
married! In your present circumstances I cannot press you, but my wife
and my daughters await my return in the deepest anxiety.

Mercadet
Stay a moment. I will give you sixty francs.