SWEET. I have seen the hand somewhere.
SHORT. Whose do you think it is?
SWEET. It strikes me all at once! It’s Billington’s!
SHORT. Stop an instant, let me go and find my glasses.
SWEET. (seizing hold of his arm) Did you mark what the girl said, that she was to be sure and give the book to nobody but my wife?
SHORT. Yes, I heard her say that.
SWEET. Let me read. (reads) “I waited for you all the morning.” So he did!
SHORT. Go on.
SWEET. (reads) “I am afraid to ask why you didn’t come. It is now five days since I have seen you; this is cruel, but I implore of you to give me an interview to-morrow in the lane at the back of the house at 2 o’clock if it be but for ten minutes. We shall meet this evening, but I shall have no opportunity of being alone with you. You will not refuse if you return the feelings that are consuming me.”
(they look at each other, then after a short pause, SWEET falls into SHORT’S arms)