Part 7 (1/2)

Six thousand francs, and Verdelin, whom I have already made a millionaire once, is likely to become so three, four, five times over!

But he will deserve it, for he is a clever fellow, is Verdelin.

Violette Mercadet, I will find you the money.

Mercadet No, no, don't think of it. Besides, he will be here in a moment, and if I am to send him away without concluding the business with him, it will be necessary to have it settled with some one else before Verdelin comes--and, as that is impossible--good-bye--and good luck--I shall certainly be able to pay you your thirty thousand francs.

Violette But say--why couldn't I--?

Mme. Mercadet (entering) M. Verdelin has come, my dear.

Mercadet (aside) Good, good! (Aloud) Just detain him a minute. (Mme. Mercadet goes out.) Well, good-bye, dear old Violette--

Violette (pulling out a greasy pocketbook) Wait a moment--here, I have the money with me--and will give it you beforehand.

Mercadet You! Six thousand francs!

Violette A friend asked me to invest it for him, and--

Mercadet And you couldn't find a better opening. We'll sign the contract presently! (He takes the bills.) This closes the deal--and so much the worse for Verdelin--he has missed a gold mine!

Violette Well, I'll see you later.

Mercadet Yes--see you later! You can get out through my study.

(Mercadet shows Violette the way out. Mme. Mercadet enters.)

Mme. Mercadet Mercadet!

Mercadet (reappearing) Ah! my dear! I am an unfortunate man! I ought to blow my brains out.

Mme. Mercadet Good heavens! What is the matter?

Mercadet The matter is that a moment ago I asked this sham bankrupt Violette for six thousand francs.

Mme. Mercadet And he refused to give them to you?

Mercadet On the contrary, he handed them over.

Mme. Mercadet What, then, do you mean?

Mercadet I am an unlucky man, as I told you, because he gave them so quickly that I could have gotten ten thousand if I had only known it.

Mme. Mercadet What a man you are! I suppose you know that Verdelin is waiting for you.

Mercadet Beg him to come in. At last I have Julie's trousseau; and we now need only enough money for your dresses and for household expenses until the marriage. Send in Verdelin.

Mme. Mercadet Yes, he is your friend, and of course you will gain your end with him.

(Exit Mme. Mercadet.)