MRS. S. (hearing the noise of the door closing, and without turning round, as she unclasps her bracelets) Is that you again, Peggy? (not receiving an answer, she turns and sees RATCLIFFE; starts violently, and checking a scream) A man!
RAT. (L.) Do not be alarmed, madam, I beg. (advancing slowly)
MRS. S. (retreating, and in a tone of alarm which she endeavours to repress) Who are you, sir? and why this unseasonable intrusion? I insist on knowing.
RAT. A little patience, my dear madam, and you shall. (observing MRS. SOMERTON, who endeavours to reach the door, L. C.) One moment, madam. Before you summon your servants, allow me to observe that I shall be under the painful necessity of punishing any one who presumes to interrupt so delightful a tete à tete. (slowly taking his pistols from his pocket, and depositing them on the table)
MRS. S. (terrified and aside) He’s armed. (suddenly) Ah! that writing desk—that large sum of money—(placing herself before the table on which the writing desk is, and supporting herself with difficulty)
RAT. Now, madam, (crosses to R. with chair) the sooner I explain the object of this somewhat unceremonious visit, the better. Will you allow me to lead you to a chair? (politely offering his hand to MRS. SOMERTON, who draws back in alarm) Pray, my dear madam let me once more entreat you not to be alarmed. (MRS. SOMERTON after a slight hesitation, gives him her hand, and he leads her to the chair near table, at C.) Be seated, I beg. (MRS. SOMERTON seats herself. RATCLIFFE about to remove up for another chair, MRS. SOMERTON advancing her hand towards the pistol—stops) Pray be cautious with those pistols, madam; they are hair triggers, and I perceive the muzzles are directly pointed towards you. (goes up to the back for a chair)
MRS. S. (aside and suddenly) If I could but distinguish his features, so as to be able to recognise him. (hastily runs and brings candle from the small table at L., and places it on table before her)
RAT. (coming down with the chair, R.—stops) You’ll pardon me, madam, but having suffered lately from a severe cold in my eyes, this excess of light would be positively distressing to me. (removes the candle to the mantel-piece, L.; then about to seat himself opposite to MRS. SOMERTON) Have I your permission, madam? I thank you! (seats himself)
MRS. S. (aside) Was there ever such unblushing effrontery?
RAT. Now, madam, I will come to the point at once. I am in the immediate want of fifteen thousand pounds. (with marked intention)