She will accuse me of being a fortune hunter.

Mercadet
She will be indebted to you for having secured her happiness.

Minard (despairingly)
She will despise me, sir!

Mercadet
That is probable! But if I have read your heart aright, your love for
her is such that you will sacrifice yourself completely to the
happiness of her life. But here she comes, sir, and her mother is with
her. It is on their account that I make this request to you, sir; can
I count on you?

Minard
You--can.

Mercadet
Very good--I thank you.



SCENE THIRD


The preceding, Julie and Mme. Mercadet.


Julie