JEAN.  That’s true enough.  And that is just why I am looking for a backer to advance the needful cash.

JULIA.  Where could you get one all of a sudden?

JEAN.  It’s for you to find him if you want to become my partner.

JULIA.  I cannot do it, and I have nothing myself. [Pause.]

JEAN.  Well, then that’s off—­

JULIA.  And—–­

JEAN.  Everything remains as before.

JULIA.  Do you think I am going to stay under this roof as your concubine?  Do you think I’ll let the people point their fingers at me?  Do you think I can look my father in the face after this?  No, take me away from here, from all this humiliation and disgrace!—­ Oh, what have I done?  My God, my God! [Breaks into tears.]

JEAN.  So we have got around to that tune now!—­What you have done? 
Nothing but what many others have done before you.

JULIA. [Crying hysterically] And now you’re despising me!—­I’m falling, I’m falling!

JEAN.  Fall down to me, and I’ll lift you up again afterwards.

JULIA.  What horrible power drew me to you?  Was it the attraction which the strong exercises on the weak—­the one who is rising on one who is falling?  Or was it love?  This love!  Do you know what love is?

JEAN.  I?  Well, I should say so!  Don’t you think I have been there before?

JULIA.  Oh, the language you use, and the thoughts you think!

JEAN.  Well, that’s the way I was brought up, and that’s the way I am.  Don’t get nerves now and play the exquisite, for now one of us is just as good as the other.  Look here, my girl, let me treat you to a glass of something superfine. [He opens the table-drawer, takes out the wine bottle and fills up two glasses that have already been used.]

JULIA.  Where did you get that wine?

JEAN.  In the cellar.

JULIA.  My father’s Burgundy!

JEAN.  Well, isn’t it good enough for the son-in-law?

JULIA.  And I am drinking beer—­I!

JEAN.  It shows merely that I have better taste than you.

JULIA.  Thief!

JEAN.  Do you mean to tell on me?

JULIA.  Oh, oh!  The accomplice of a house thief!  Have I been drunk, or have I been dreaming all this night?  Midsummer Eve!  The feast of innocent games—–­

JEAN.  Innocent—­hm!

JULIA. [Walking back and forth] Can there be another human being on earth so unhappy as I am at this moment’

JEAN.  But why should you be?  After such a conquest?  Think of
Christine in there.  Don’t you think she has feelings also?

JULIA.  I thought so a while ago, but I don’t think so any longer. 
No, a menial is a menial—­

JEAN.  And a whore a whore!

JULIA. [On her knees, with folded hands] O God in heaven, make an end of this wretched life!  Take me out of the filth into which I am sinking!  Save me!  Save me!