RAT. Only one! (to POSTLETHWAITE) I understood you to say there were—
POS. (interrupting him) Yes, yes. (aside to him) Of course, she doesn’t know how many there were, because as soon as she saw one she fainted.
RAT. True! (smiling)
MRS. S. (aside) That voice again—I must be mistaken—yet, every word he utters—(looking again fixedly at RATCLIFFE)
RAT. (C., to MRS. S.) You have not answered my question, madam.
MRS. S. I can only say, sir, that on being left alone, I was disturbed by a slight noise, and on turning round, he stood before me—as you do.
RAT. A bold and impudent villain, evidently. I can easily conceive your alarm, madam, but luckily your cousin here on hearing your piercing shrieks, (POSTLETHWAITE pulls his coat tail) rushes to your assistance, and with one blow of his masculine fist—
POS. (stopping him, and aside) That’ll do—don’t remind her of that terrific scene, it distresses her.
RAT. (smiling again) True. (to MRS. S.) Then, madam, you would probably be able to identify this audacious criminal?