ALGERNON: (Center.) I have here a mortgage.
GLADYS: A mortgage!!!! What is it on?
ALGERNON: I don't know. What difference does that make? It is a mortgage. That's all that's necessary.
GLADYS: Can it be a mortgage on the old farm?
ALGERNON: (Moves over to R.) Certainly, on the old farm!!!! The dear old homestead in New Hampshire. (Takes paper from pocket. Crosses over to GLADYS.) I have also the paper that always goes with the mortgage. Sign this paper and the mortgage shall be yours, refuse—and—do you mind my coming closer so that I can hiss this in your ear?
GLADYS: Not at all, come right over.
ALGERNON: (Close to GLADYS.) Refuse (Hiss), I say, and you and your child shall be thrown into the streets to starve. (Hiss.)
GLADYS: (Crosses R.) Oh, I must have time to drink—I mean think.
But this is infamous. The landlord will—
ALGERNON: I am the landlord. Now will you sign the papers?
GLADYS: No, a thousand times no!!!!! (Chord.) (ALGERNON conducts
Chord.) No!!!!