Mercadet the rich man in his true colors. I am going to show you him
as the skeptical man of business. I have frankly opened my books to
you. I am now going to open my heart to you as frankly.

Minard
Speak out, sir, but remember how great my devotion to Mlle. Julie is.
Remember that my self-sacrifice and unselfishness are equal to my love
for her.

Mercadet
Let it be granted that by means of night-long vigils and toils you
will make a living for Julie! But who will make a living for us, her
father and mother?

Minard
Ah! sir--believe in me!

Mercadet
What! Are you going to work for four, instead of working for only two?
The task will be too much for you! And the bread which you give to us,
you will have to snatch out of the hands of your children--

Minard
How wildly you talk!

Mercadet
And I, in spite of your generous efforts, shall fall, crushed under
the weight of disgraceful ruin. A brilliant marriage for my daughter
is the only means by which I would be enabled to discharge the
enormous sums I owe. It is only thus that in time I could regain