them to wait here for a while. (To Minard) I am well satisfied with
you.

(Mme. Mercadet and Julie, Mercadet and Minard go out in opposite
directions, while Justin admits Mericourt and De la Brive.)



SCENE FOURTH


De la Brive and Mericourt.


Justin
M. Mercadet begs that the gentlemen will wait for him here. (Exit.)

Mericourt
At last, my dear friend, you are on the ground, and you will be very
soon officially recognized as Mlle. Mercadet's intended! Steer your
bark well, for the father is a deep one.

De la Brive
That is what frightens me, for difficulties loom ahead.

Mericourt
I do not believe so; Mercadet is a speculator, rich to-day, to-morrow
possibly a beggar. With the little I know of his affairs from his
wife, I am led to believe that he is enchanted with the prospect of
depositing a part of his fortune in the name of his daughter, and of