GENTLEMAN. Certainly I am! May I ask, madam, if you have ever examined the head of a criminal?
LADY (shocked). Never, sir!
GENTLEMAN. Perhaps you have never even been brought into personal contact with one?
LADY. Certainly not, sir; though I’m sure I should feel the greatest pity for him—I should, indeed! (in a commiserating tone).
GENTLEMAN. Understand me; I don’t allude to the milder class of criminals, such as thieves, robbers, forgers, burglars, and such like; but one of those desperate fellows who—who—in fact, who stick at nothing! By-the-bye, I have a collection here of photographs of some of our most notorious criminals, which I think would interest you.
LADY (shuddering). Yes—intensely!
GENTLEMAN (opening his travelling-bag). Ah! (producing a revolver) there’s rather a curious story connected with this revolver!
LADY (alarmed, and trying to look unconcerned). Indeed?
GENTLEMAN. I never travel without one—every chamber loaded and ready for use, so that I have six lives at my disposal—a very comfortable feeling to have! Don’t you think so?
LADY. Yes, very much so, indeed!