than my tenderness; she shall feel grateful for all my efforts, she
shall love me for my vigils, and for my toils.

Mercadet
You mean to tell me that you still wish to marry her?

Minard
Do I wish! When I believed that you were rich, I would not ask her of
you without trembling, without feeling ashamed of my poverty; but now,
sir, it is with assurance and with tranquillity of mind that I ask for
her.

Mercadet (to himself)
I must admit that this is a love exceedingly true, sincere and noble!
And such as I had believed it impossible to find in the whole world!
(To Minard) Forgive me, young man, for the opinion I had of you--
forgive me, above all, for the disappointment I am about to cause you.

Minard
What do you mean?

Mercadet
M. Minard--Julie--cannot be your wife.

Minard
What is this, sir? Not be my wife? In spite of our love, in spite of
all you have confided to me?

Mercadet
Yes, and just because of all I have confided to you. I have shown you