Minard (in a low voice to Mercadet)
Is this sufficient, sir?

Julie (without looking at Minard)
I should have had courage for both of us. I should always have greeted
you with a smile, I should have toiled without regret, and happiness
would always have reigned in our home. You could never have meant
this, Adolphe. You do not mean it.

Minard (in a low voice)
Let me go--let me leave the house, sir.

Mercadet
Come, then. (He retires to the back of the stage.)

Minard
Good-bye--Julie. A love that would have flung you into poverty is a
thoughtless love. I have preferred to show the love that sacrifices
itself to your happiness--

Julie
No, I trust you no longer. (In a low voice to her mother) My only
happiness would have been to be his.

Justin (announcing visitors)
M. de la Brive! M. de Mericourt!

Mercadet
Take your daughter away, madame. M. Minard, follow me. (To Justin) Ask