Mrs. J. Not a cent. I was to send in my bill three days ago, but before I was able to do so he asked for an interview, and said that he had been disappointed about receiving money which he expected, and asked me to wait a week longer. He seemed so sorry about it that I couldn’t help accommodating him.
Bridget (entering, R.). An’ did ye take the silver, mum? I haven’t seen a sight of it since I left it on the table after cl’aning it this morning.
Mrs. J. (surprised). I haven’t taken it away. Was the front door locked?
B. Yis, I thried that same, an’ it was locked as usual. But jist as I went to look if it was fast, the postman came, an’ brought this letter.
Mrs. J. (opening it hastily, and glancing at signature). Why, this is from the count. (Reads.)
“Dear Mrs. Jones: I write to let you know that I have just received the money I expected, and which I was only able to get by selling your silver, which I gathered up this morning for that purpose. As the jeweller said it wasn’t first quality, I got less than I hoped for, so I sha’n’t be able to settle my board bill at present. You will find the silver, also your daughter’s watch and rings, at the shop of Willis and Turner. Yours,
“Count Henri de Fripon.”
A. (excited). What! My watch and rings. How could he have got them?
B. Oh, the murtherin villain! An’ didn’t I tell Kate, the cook, that he had too much blarny about him for an honest man?
Mrs. J. (troubled). What shall we do?