Mercadet
Imagine, my dear fellow, that there exists a most brilliant
opportunity, a most magnificent speculation, the most sublime
discovery--an affair which appeals to the interest of every one, which
will draw upon all the exchanges, and for the realization of which a
stupid banker has refused me the miserable sum of a thousand crowns--
when there is more than a million in sight.

Violette
A million!

Mercadet
Yes, a million, from the start. Afterwards no one can calculate where
the rage for protective pavement will stop.

Violette
Pavement?

Mercadet
Protective pavement. A pavement on which no barricade can be raised.

Violette
Really?

Mercadet
You see, that from henceforth all governments interested in the
preservation of order will become our chief shareholders--Ministers,
princes and kings will be our chief partners. Next come the gods of
finance, the great bankers, those of independent income in commerce