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?  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.

De la Brive
But, madame, I cannot pay them—­

Mme. Mercadet
We will be satisfied with your word, and you will discharge your
obligation as soon as you have honestly made your fortune.

De la Brive
Honestly!  That will be perhaps a long time to wait.

Mme. Mercadet
We will be patient.  And now, sir, go and inform my husband that he
must give up this attempt because he will not have your co-operation. 
(She goes towards the door on the left.)

De la Brive
I should be rather afraid to face him—­ I should prefer to write to
him.

Mme. Mercadet (pointing out to him the door by which he entered) You will find the necessary writing materials in that room.  Remain there until I come for your letter.  I will hand it to him myself.