Criddle. In the wine-cellar, of all places! I was getting out a bottle of the sixty-eight port for New Year's night, and happening to put my hand behind, there he was!
Harry. [Has a sudden gesture of remembrance.] Yes, I remember!
Matt. What should incurables be doing in the wine-cellar? [Holds out his hand to Criddle for the box. Criddle, who has been holding it carefully, gives it to Matt. Exit Criddle. Matt gives the box a shake. It rattles as if half full of coins. He shakes it again, more violently; it rattles again.] Internal organs sound healthy. How did he get into the wine-cellar, Harry?
Harry. Well, Dolly and I had been having a little tiff one morning—nothing serious——
Matt. No. When was that?
Harry. March, wasn't it?
Dolly. May, I think——
Harry. No, it wasn't that one—Well, never mind, I got so riled at Dolly always poking this box in front of me whenever I happened to—so I thought the wine-cellar would be the safest place for it.
Matt. [Gives it another rattle.] Well, here he is, turned up just at the right moment! And here you all are, Dolly, Harry, Lucas, Mrs. Sturgess—all clamouring for me to redeem my promise and put in a sovereign for each of you.
Criddle appears at door announcing Mr. Pilcher. Pilcher enters with four oblong brown paper parcels of equal size. Exit Criddle.