Mme. Mercadet
What on earth is the matter with you, my dear?

Julie
How your voice frightened us, papa!

Mercadet
They heard us! See how they come, like two guardian angels! (He takes
them by the hand.) Ah! you melt my heart! (To Verdelin) Verdelin! Do
you wish to slay a whole family? This proof of their tenderness gives
me courage to fall at your feet.

Julie
Oh, sir! (She checks her father.) It is I who will implore you for
him. Whatever may be his demand, do not refuse my father; he must,
indeed, be in the most terrible anguish!

Mercadet
Dear child! (Aside) In what accents does she speak! I couldn't speak
so naturally as that.

Mme. Mercadet
M. Verdelin, listen to us--

Verdelin (to Julie)
You don't know what he is asking, do you?

Julie
No.