Verdelin
My dear fellow, I have not a thousand crowns. I can lend you my plate;
but I have not--

Mercadet
You can give me your note on the bank. It is soon signed--

Verdelin (rising)
I--no--

Mercadet
Ah! my poor daughter! It is all over. (Falls back overcome in an
armchair near the table.) God forgive me, if I put an end to the
painful dream of life, and let me awaken in Thy bosom!

Verdelin (after a short silence)
But-- Have you really found a son-in-law?

Mercadet (rising abruptly to his feet)
You ask if I have found a son-in-law! You actually throw a doubt upon
this! You may refuse me, if you like, the means of effecting the
happiness of my daughter, but do not insult me! I am fallen low
indeed! O Verdelin! I would not for a thousand crowns have had such an
idea of you, and you can never win absolution from me excepting by
giving them.

Verdelin (wishing to leave)
I must go and see if I can--

Mercadet