Herman.
One or the other she is compelled to. You are aware, sir, that the law is on my side! the law, sir—the law, sir!
Knickerbocker.
Oh, yes! And, no doubt, every quibble that it offers will be twisted to the best purpose for your interest. You're a dabster at chicane, or you're preciously belied.
Herman.
You will not, I presume, dispute the signature of the individual who formed the contract?
Knickerbocker.
Oh, no! not dispute Rip's signature, but his error in judgement. I happened to be a cabinet councillor [pg 066] at the very moment my deceased relative, who was non compos mentis, at the time, clapped his pen to a writing, artfully extracted from him by your defunct father, whose memory is better forgotten than remembered.
Herman.
Sir, I came here, not to meet insult; I came hither, persuaded you would acknowledge my right, and to prevent a publicity that may be painful to both parties. You are inclined to dispute them; before a tribunal shall they be arbitrated; and, knowing my claims, Mr. Knickerbocker, know well that Lorrenna or her fortune must be mine. [Exit.