My dear friend, if people only visited those they esteem they would
make no visits at all.

Mercadet (laughing and taking his hand)
A man wouldn't go even into his own house.

Verdelin
But tell me what you want with me?

Mercadet
Your question is so sudden that it hasn't left me time to gild the
pill.

Verdelin
Oh! my old comrade. I have nothing, and I am frank to say that even if
I had I could give you nothing. I have already lent you all that my
means permit me to dispose of; I have never asked you for payment, for
I am your friend as well as your creditor, and indeed, if my heart did
not overflow in gratitude towards you, if I had not been a man
different from ordinary men, the creditor would long ago have killed
the man. I tell you everything has a limit in this world.

Mercadet
Friendship has a limit, that's certain; but not misfortune.

Verdelin
If I were rich enough to save you altogether, to cancel your debt
entirely, I would do so with all my heart, for I admire your courage.
But you are bound to go under. Your last schemes, although cleverly
projected, have collapsed. You have ruined your reputation, you are