MRS. S. (aside, and smiling) To do the wretch justice he has a certain mode of expressing himself——
POS. I hope he don’t mean to keep on fumbling that writing desk about much longer, because the bottom of the cane chair has just given way. Surely, Cousin Somerton never could have been such a simpleton as to lock all her money up there.
RAT. Ah, at last—(taking the pocket book out of the desk, and advancing to MRS. SOMERTON)—the pocket book.
POS. She’s a ruined woman and so am I! (dropping his head against the side of the window)
MRS. S. (suddenly, and with an expression of hope) Surely I heard a voice!
RAT. One of your servants probably. (going up towards mantel-piece, and taking his pistols) I hope he will not take it into his head to interrupt us, for I should certainly send a bullet through it. (POSTLETHWAITE drops, and a noise of falling heard within door, R. C.; RATCLIFFE places the pistols on chimney piece) And now, madam, (returning towards table at C.) with many apologies for detaining you so long from your slumbers, I humbly take my leave. (seeing the receipt, which he has left on the table) Stay! (taking up the receipt, which he presents to MRS. SOMERTON) I promised you a receipt, madam, and here it is.
MRS. S. (derisively) A very valuable document to me no doubt, sir.
RAT. A very necessary one, madam, in all commercial transactions. (MRS. SOMERTON takes the receipt, and indignantly crumples it up in her hand) Once more, madam, farewell. (taking his cloak and hat) And in taking my leave, be assured that I carry away with me——
MRS. S. (sneeringly) I am perfectly aware, sir, what you carry away with you.
RAT. The hope, madam, which I trust you in some degree share with me, that our first interview will not be our last. (turns at door, L. C., makes a profound bow, and exits, L. U. E.)