and speculation; even the socialists, seeing that their industry is
ruined, will be forced to buy stocks for a living from me!

Violette
Yes, it is fine! It is grand!

Mercadet
It is sublime and philanthropic! And to think I have been refused four
thousand francs, wherewith to send out advertisements and launch my
prospectus!

Violette
Four thousand francs! I thought it was only--

Mercadet
Four thousand francs, no more! And I was to give away for the loan a
half interest in the enterprise--that is to say a fortune! Ten
fortunes!

Violette
Listen--I will see--I will speak to some one--

Mercadet
Speak to no one! Keep it to yourself! The idea would at once be
snatched up--or perhaps they wouldn't understand it so well as you
have immediately done. These money dealers are so stupid. Besides, I
am expecting Verdelin here--

Violette
Verdelin--but--we might perhaps--