Bendish:
That's certain.
Cadwell:
Well-what did you do with it, you ass. Answer.
Bendish:
Sir.
Cadwell: (interrupting him)
You lost it, right?
Bendish:
Sir, when I came to madam's room to put it in her hands— (hesitating)
Cadwell:
Well?
Bendish:
I couldn't find it.
Cadwell: Ah, fool! (to Laura) Madam, I beg your pardon. (to Bendish, pretending to menace him) I don't know what prevents me— (to Laura) I am in despair to have accused you so unjustly as I have done. (to Bendish) Find the letter, rogue! Was someone in the room?
Bendish:
There were a lot of people, sir.
Cadwell: My letter will be lost! This is awful! In it I begged you to spend some time in the country with me and my aunt. And whoever has found it has used it to shred our relationship.— But please, madam, while I am unable to disguise the cause of my chagrin—explain to me what has aroused you so seriously against me.