Mr. W. Ferdinand, can I believe my eyes? My dear nephew, I thought you were in America.
Fer. America twelve days ago—England to-day—this my first call; glad to see you, uncle.
Mr. W. And I'm glad to see you, my boy. (They shake hands heartily.) But why have you returned so soon, Ferdinand? I thought you would remain in America until you had made your mark.
Fer. My dear uncle, I have made it. If marks were now, as they were once, the current coin of the realm, you'd find I'd made a considerable number.
Mr. W. My dear boy, I'm very glad to hear it. I always said you would do well. Tell me all about it.
(Enter Walter Litherland, door R.)
Walter. Mr. Watmuff, might I crave one moment?—(seeing Swift)—Oh! I beg your pardon, sir; I see you are engaged.
Mr. W. Not at all, not at all. Ferdinand, you must let me introduce to you my friend, Walter Litherland. Walter, this is my nephew, Ferdinand Swift, just returned from America, having made his fortune.
Walter. I am very glad to hear it. I must congratulate you, sir.
Fer. Not at all. Very glad, indeed, to know you. Friend of the family, must, of course, be a friend of mine.