Clifton. I am to understand that you refuse the fifty thousand pounds?
Crawshaw. If the money is really there, I most certainly do not refuse it.
Clifton. Oh, the money is most certainly there—and the name. Both waiting for you.
Crawshaw [thumping the table]. Then, sir, I accept them. I feel it my duty to accept them, as a public expression of confidence in the late Mr. Clifton's motives. I repudiate entirely the motives that you have suggested to him, and I consider it a sacred duty to show what I think of your story by accepting the trust which he has bequeathed to me. You will arrange further matters with my solicitor. Good-morning, sir.
Clifton [to himself as he rises]. Mr. Crawshaw here drank a glass of water. [To Crawshaw.] Mr. Wurzel-Flummery, farewell. May I express the parting wish that your future career will add fresh luster to—my name. [To himself as he goes out.] Exit Mr. Denis Clifton with dignity. [But he has left his papers behind him. Crawshaw, walking indignantly back to the sofa, sees the papers and picks them up.]
Crawshaw [contemptuously]. "Watherston v. Towser—in re Great Missenden Canal Company." Bah! [He tears them up and throws them into the fire. He goes back to his writing-table and is seated there as Viola, followed by Meriton, comes in.]
Viola. Father, Dick doesn't want to take the money, but I have told him that of course he must. He must, mustn't he?
Richard. We needn't drag Robert into it, Viola.
Crawshaw. If Richard has the very natural feeling that it would be awkward for me if there were two Wurzel-Flummeries in the House of Commons, I should be the last to interfere with his decision. In any case, I don't see what concern it is of yours, Viola.
Viola [surprised]. But how can we get married if he doesn't take the money?