Mr. S. (giving her a bank note). There is the money, but mind, if you are deceiving me, there is a constable outside.
Ruth. No fear. (Tears up the note.)
Mr. S. You fool, what have you done! Give me the paper.
Ruth. I’ll give it to him. (Indicating Fitz Partington, who has come between them.)
Fitz. (takes paper and reads). “St. Andrew’s Church, Port Philip, 17 July, 1858.”
Mr. S. ’58! Why, she died in ’69—I know she died in ’69. This is some forgery—we shall want the constable yet.
Fitz. This is some forgery. We shall want the constable yet. (Reads.) “This is to certify that on the above date I read the burial service over the remains of Martha Vane, of Port Philip.” (Smailey sinks into a chair.)
Dr. A. Martha Vane!
Mrs. V. B. That was her maiden name, the name under which she passed when she left her husband.