Mercadet
Well, what do you think of five years in debtors’ prison?  Eh?  What a
fate!

De la Brive
As a matter of fact, my decision must depend upon what you want me to
do to any one, for my honor so far is intact and is worth—­

Mercadet You must invest it well, for we shall have dire need of all that it is worth.  I want you to assist me in sitting at the table which the Exchange always keeps spread, and we will gorge ourselves with the good things there offered us, for you must admit that while those who seek for millions have great difficulty in finding them, they are never found by those who do not seek.

De la Brive
I think I can co-operate with you in this matter.  You will return to
me my forty-seven thousand francs—­

Mercadet
Yes, sir.

De la Brive
I am not required to be anything but be—­very clever?

Mercadet
Nimble, but this nimbleness will be exercised, as the English say, on
the right side of the law.

De la Brive
What is it you propose?

Mercadet (giving him a paper) Here are your written instructions.  You are to represent something like an uncle from America—­in fact, my partner, who has just come back from the West Indies.

De la Brive
I understand.

Mercadet Go to the Champs-Elysees, secure a post-chaise that has been much battered, have horses harnessed to it, and make your arrival here wrapped in a great pelisse, your head enveloped in a huge cap, while you shiver like a man who finds our summer icy cold.  I will receive you; I will conduct you in; you will speak to my creditors; 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.)

Scenefourth

Mme. Mercadet and De la Brive.