Alon. I know what you would say, sir; but if it belong to our family? otherwise, I assure you, it were at your service.
Mel. As it belongs to your family, I covet it; not that I plead my own deserts, sir.
Alon. Sir, I know your deserts; but, I protest, I cannot part with it: For, I must tell you, this diamond ring was originally my great-grandfather's.
Mel. A diamond ring, sir, do you mean?——
Alon. By your patience, sir; when I have done, you may speak your pleasure. I only lent it to my daughter; but, how she lost it, and how it came upon your finger, I am yet in tenebris.
Mel. Sir——
Alon. I know it, sir; but spare yourself the trouble, I'll speak for you; you would say you had it from some other hand; I believe it, sir.
Mel. But, sir——
Alon. I warrant you, sir, I'll bring you off without your speaking;—from another hand you had it; and now, sir, as you say, sir, and as I am saying for you, sir, you are loth to part with it.