RIDGEON. I am not a rich man; and I want every penny I can spare and more for my researches.
LOUIS. You mean youd want the money back again.
RIDGEON. I presume people sometimes have that in view when they lend money.
LOUIS [after a moment’s reflection] Well, I can manage that for you. I’ll give you a cheque—or see here: theres no reason why you shouldnt have your bit too: I’ll give you a cheque for two hundred.
RIDGEON. Why not cash the cheque at once without troubling me?
LOUIS. Bless you! they wouldnt cash it: I’m overdrawn as it is. No: the way to work it is this. I’ll postdate the cheque next October. In October Jennifer’s dividends come in. Well, you present the cheque. It will be returned marked “refer to drawer” or some rubbish of that sort. Then you can take it to Jennifer, and hint that if the cheque isnt taken up at once I shall be put in prison. She’ll pay you like a shot. Youll clear 50 pounds; and youll do me a real service; for I do want the money very badly, old chap, I assure you.
RIDGEON [staring at him] You see no objection to the transaction; and you anticipate none from me!
LOUIS. Well, what objection can there be? It’s quite safe. I can convince you about the dividends.
RIDGEON. I mean on the score of its being—shall I say dishonorable?
LOUIS. Well, of course I shouldnt suggest it if I didnt want the money.