editors; not one of
them knows Godeau; you will make them give me more time.

De la Brive
How much time?

Mercadet
I need only two days--two days, in order that Pierquin may complete
certain purchases which we have ordered. Two days in order that the
stock which I know how to inflate may have time to rise. You will be
my backer, my security. And as no one will recognize you--

De la Brive
I shall cease to be this personage as soon as I have paid you forty-
seven thousand, two hundred and thirty-three francs and some centimes.

Mercadet
That is so. But I hear some one--my wife--

Mme. Mercadet (enters)
My dear, there are some letters for you, and the bearer requires an
answer.

(Mme. Mercadet withdraws to the fireplace.)

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 passions 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?