Minard (lost in thought)
Ruined, ruined! And without resources!

Mercadet (aside)
I thought that would upset him. (Aloud) Come, now, young man, what are
you going to do?

Minard
First, I thank you, sir, for the frankness of your admissions.

Mercadet
That is good! And what of the ideal, and your love for my daughter?

Minard
You have opened my eyes, sir.

Mercadet (aside)
I am glad to hear it.

Minard
I thought that I already loved her with a love that was boundless, and
now I love her a hundred times more.

Mercadet
The deuce you do!

Minard
Have you not led me to understand that she will have need of all my
courage, of all my devotion! I will render her happy by other means