Ch. No, I shall not do that; long before you return I shall be beyond the reach of dinners.
Bel. I understand—you are going abroad. Well, I don’t think you could do better than try another country.
Ch. (tragically). Belvawney, I’m going to try another world! (Drawing a pistol from his pocket.)
Bel. (alarmed). What do you mean?
Ch. In two minutes I die!
Bel. You’re joking, of course?
Ch. Do I look like a man who jokes? Is my frame of mind one in which a man indulges in trivialities?
Bel. (in great terror). But my dear Cheviot, reflect—
Ch. Why should it concern you? You will be happy with Belinda. You will not be well off, but Symperson will, and I dare say he will give you a meal now and then. It will not be a nice meal, but still it will be a meal.
Bel. Cheviot, you mustn’t do this; pray reflect; there are interests of magnitude depending on your existence.