POS. (listening) Holloa! Either cousin Somerton has got a very bad cold, or she’s not alone!
RAT. Here, madam, is the receipt. (rising)
POS. That’s a man’s voice!
RAT. And now, madam, the necessary forms being completed on my part, all that remains is for you to find the funds; amounting, as I believe I mentioned before, to the sum of fifteen thousand pounds.
MRS. S. (forcing a laugh) And do you imagine I could be imprudent enough to keep so large a sum of money——?
RAT. On your person? Oh, dear no; that would be an indiscretion for which, as your partner, I should certainly take the liberty of scolding you.
POS. What’s that? he says he’s my wife’s partner! I never even knew she was in business.
RAT. Until you could deposit it with your banker’s, you have, doubtless, placed it somewhere under lock and key; but as you seem to have forgotten the exact locality, I shall be most happy to assist you in your search. Suppose we begin with the writing desk. (placing his hand on the desk) Will you oblige me with the key?
POS. The fellow’s a housebreaker!
MRS. S. I—I have mislaid or lost it, sir: at least, I think I have.