Part 10 (1/2)

Minard It is love, pure and holy, which can lend a charm to all the hours of life.

Mercadet Yes all!--except the dinner hour.

Julie Father, do not ridicule two children who love each other with a pa.s.sion which is true and pure, because it is founded upon a knowledge of each other's character; on the cert.i.tude of their mutual ardor in conquering the difficulties of life; in a word, of two children who will also cherish sincere affection for you.

Minard (to Mercadet) What an angel, sir!

Mercadet (aside) I'll angel you! (Putting an arm around each.) Happy children!--You are absolutely in love? What a fine romance! (To Minard) You desire her for your wife?

Minard Yes, sir.

Mercadet In spite of all obstacles?

Minard It is mine to overcome them!

Julie Father, ought you not to be grateful to me in that by my choice I am giving you a son full of lofty sentiments, endowed with a courageous soul, and--

Minard Mademoiselle--Julie.

Julie Let me finish; I must have my say.

Mercadet My daughter, go and see your mother, and let me speak of matters which are a great deal more material than these.

Julie I will go, father--

Mercadet Come back presently with your mother, my child.

(Mercadet kisses Julie and leads her to the door.)

Minard (aside) I feel my hopes revive.

Mercadet (returning) Sir, I am a ruined man.

Minard What does that mean?

Mercadet Totally ruined. And if you wish to have my Julie, you are welcome to her. She will be much better off at your house, poor as you are, than in her paternal home. Not only is she without dowry, but she is burdened with poor parents--parents who are more than poor.

Minard More than poor! There is nothing beyond that.

Mercadet Yes, sir, we are in debt, deeply in debt, and some of these debts clamor for payment.

Minard No, no, it is impossible!

Mercadet Don't you believe it? (Aside) He is getting frightened. (Taking up a pile of papers from his desk. Aloud) Here, my would-be son-in-law, are the family papers which will show you our fortune--

Minard Sir--

Mercadet Or rather our lack of fortune! Read-- Here is a writ of attachment on our furniture.

Minard Can it be possible?

Mercadet It is perfectly possible! Here are judgments by the score! Here is a writ of my arrest. You see in what straits we are! Here you see all my sales, the protests on my notes and the judgments cla.s.sed in order-- for, young man, understand well in a disordered condition of things, order is above all things necessary. When disorder is well arranged it can be relieved and controlled-- What can a debtor say when he sees his debt entered up under his number? I make the government my model.