ll have to snatch out of the hands of your children--

Minard
How wildly you talk!

Mercadet
And I, in spite of your generous efforts, shall fall, crushed under
the weight of disgraceful ruin. A brilliant marriage for my daughter
is the only means by which I would be enabled to discharge the
enormous sums I owe. It is only thus that in time I could regain
confidence and credit. With the aid of a rich son-in-law I can
reconquer my position, and recuperate my fortune! Why, the marriage of
my daughter is our last anchor of salvation! This marriage is our
hope, our wealth, the prop of our honor, sir! And since you love my
daughter, it is to this very love that I make my appeal. My friend, do
not condemn her to poverty; do not condemn her to a life of regret
over the loss and disgrace which she has brought upon her father!

Minard (in great distress)
But what do you ask me to do?

Mercadet (taking him by the hand)
I wish that this noble affection which you have for her, may arm you
with more courage than I myself possess.

Minard
I will show such courage--

Mercadet
Then listen to me. If I refuse Julie to you, Julie will refuse the man
I destine for her. It will be best, therefore, that I grant your
request for her hand, and that you be the one--

Minard
I!-- She will not believe it, sir--

Mercadet
She will believe you, if you tell her that you fear poverty for her.

Minard
She will accuse me of being a fortune hunter.

Mercadet
She will be indebted to you for having secured her happiness.

Minard (despairingly)
She will despise me, sir!

Mercadet
That is probable! But if I have read your heart aright, your love for
her is such that you will sacrifice yourself completely to the
happiness of her life. But here she comes, sir, and her mother is with
her. It is on their account that I make this request to you, sir; can
I count on you?

Minard
You--can.

Mercadet
Very good--I thank you.

SCENE THIRD

The preceding, Julie and Mme. Mercadet.

Julie
Come, mother, I am sure that Adolphe has triumphed over all obstacles.

Mme. Mercadet
My dear, M. Minard has asked of you the hand of Julie. What answer
have you given him?

Mercadet (going to the desk)
It is for him to say.

Mercadet (aside)
How can I tell her? My heart is breaking.

Julie
What have you got to say, Adolphe?

Minard
Mademoiselle--

Julie
Mademoiselle! Am I no longer Julie to you? Oh, t