Part 27 (2/2)

Mercadet But honest! And yet I must tell you my wife, my children--I could not have held out much longer--I was about to succ.u.mb--my mind always on the rack--always on the defensive--a giant might have yielded. There were moments when I longed to flee away-- Oh! For some place of repose! Henceforth let us live in the country.

Mme. Mercadet But you will soon grow weary of it.

Mercadet No, for I shall be a witness in their happiness. (Pointing to Minard and Julie.) And after all this financial traffic I shall devote myself to agriculture; the study of agriculture will never prove tedious. (To the creditors) Gentlemen, we will continue to be good friends, but will have no more business transactions. (To De la Brive) M. de la Brive, let me pay back to you your forty-eight thousand francs.

De la Brive Ah! sir--

Mercadet And I will lend you ten thousand more.

De la Brive Ten thousand francs? But I don't know when I shall be able--

Mercadet You need have no scruples; take them--for I have a scheme--

De la Brive I accept them.

Mercadet Ah! It is one of my dreams. Gentlemen (to the creditors who are standing in a row) I am a--creditor!

Mme. Mercadet (pointing to the door) My dear, he is waiting for us.

Mercadet Yes, let us go in. I have so many times drawn your attention to G.o.deau, that I certainly have the right to see him. Let us go in and see G.o.deau!

Final curtain.

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