Part 15 (2/2)

Pierquin Yes, he has an old aunt somewhere about there! A good woman called Bourdillac, who sc.r.a.pes along on some six hundred francs a year, but to whom he gives the t.i.tle of Marchioness of Bourdillac. He pretends that her health is delicate and that she has a yearly income of forty thousand francs.

Mercadet Thank you. Good-evening--

Pierquin Good-evening. (goes out)

Mercadet (ringing) Justin!

Justin Did you call, sir?

Mercadet Ask M. de la Brive to speak with me for a moment. (Justin goes out.)

Mercadet Here is a windfall of twenty-three thousand francs! We shall be able to arrange things famously for Julie's marriage.

SCENE EIGHTH

Mercadet, De la Brive and Justin.

De la Brive (to Justin, handing him a letter) Here, deliver this letter. And this is for yourself.

Justin (aside) A louis! Mademoiselle will be sure to have a happy home. (Exit.)

De la Brive You wish to speak with me, my dear father-in-law?

Mercadet Yes. You see I already treat you without ceremony. Please to take a seat.

De la Brive (sitting on a sofa) I am grateful for your confidence.

Mercadet I am seeking information with regard to a debtor, who, like you, lives in the neighborhood of Bordeaux.

De la Brive I know every one in that district.

Mercadet It is said he has relations there.

De la Brive Relations! I have none but an old aunt.

Mercadet (p.r.i.c.king up his ears) An--old aunt--?

De la Brive Whose health--

Mercadet (trembling) Is--is--delicate?

De la Brive And her income is forty thousand francs.

Mercadet (quite overcome) Good Lord! The very figure!

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