A good deal of it I'm afraid, dear. And he's not the only old man who's had the idea of walking off with other people's property.
NELLY MORRIS.
(With a laugh.) Have you been finding out any more of them?
ADAM CHERRY.
Yes, my dear (turning towards her). An old gentleman, my dear, (taking her hand and stroking it) that was about to walk off with a beautiful young lady who, by all the laws of love, was the rightful property of somebody else. Only, fortunately, he was stopped in time. (Nelly looks at him and is about to speak. Stopping her, kindly.) Don't say anything, my dear, it will be less painful for both of us. I was an old fool; and you—you thought of others more than of yourself, my dear. (Lightly) The property must be restored to its real owner, and I must leave you, my dear, to make all necessary compensation for temporary loss. See Jack and tell him you are free.
(Enter Mrs. Ben Dixon, followed by Theodore.)
MRS. BEN DIXON.
We saw that old scoundrel sneak off. Is he coming back?
I fancy not.