Part 20 (2/2)
Mercadet I suppose I must go. Good-day, my dear De la Brive. (In a low voice) Not a word to my wife; she would not understand the operation, and would misconstrue it. (Aloud) Go quickly, and forget nothing.
De la Brive You need have no fear.
(Mercadet goes out by the left; De la Brive starts to go out by the centre, but Mme. Mercadet intercepts him.)
SCENE FOURTH
Mme. Mercadet and De la Brive.
De la Brive Madame?
Mme. Mercadet Forgive me, sir!
De la Brive Kindly excuse me, madame, I must be going--
Mme. Mercadet You must not go.
De la Brive But you are not aware--
Mme. Mercadet I know all.
De la Brive How is that?
Mme. Mercadet You and my husband are bent upon resorting to some very ancient expedients proper to the comic drama, and I have employed one which is more ancient still. And as I told you, I know all--
De la Brive (aside) She must have been listening.
Mme. Mercadet Sir, the part which you have been induced to undertake is blameworthy and shameful, and you must give it up--
De la Brive But after all, madame--
Mme. Mercadet Oh! I know to whom I am speaking, sir; it was only a few hours ago that I saw you for the first time, and yet--I think I know you.
De la Brive Really? I am sure I do not know what opinion you have of me.
Mme. Mercadet One day has given me time to form a correct judgment of you--and at the very time that my husband was trying to discover some foible in you he might make use of, or what evil pa.s.sions he might rouse in you, I looked in your heart and discerned that it still contained good feelings which eventually may prove your salvation.
De la Brive Prove my salvation? Excuse me, madame.
Mme. Mercadet Yes, sir, prove your salvation and that of my husband; for both of you are on the way to ruin. For you must understand that debts are no disgrace to any one who admits them and toils for their payment. You have your whole life before you, and you have too much good sense to wish that it should be blighted through engaging in a business which justice is sure to punish.
De la Brive Justice! Ah! You are right, madame, and I certainly would not lend myself to this dangerous comedy, unless your husband had some notes of hand of mine--
Mme. Mercadet Which he will surrender to you, sir, I'll promise you that.
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