Ch. My mind is made up. (Cocking the pistol.)
Bel. (wildly). But I shall be ruined!
Ch. There is Belinda’s fortune.
Bel. She won’t have me if I’m ruined! Dear Cheviot, don’t do it—it’s culpable—it’s wrong!
Ch. Life is valueless to me without Belinda. (Pointing the pistol to his head.)
Bel. (desperately). You shall have Belinda; she is much—very much to me, but she is not everything. Your life is very dear to me; and when I think of our old friendship——! Cheviot, you shall have anything you like, if you’ll only consent to live!
Ch. If I thought you were in earnest; but no—no. (Putting pistol to head.)
Bel. In earnest? of course I’m in earnest! Why what’s the use of Belinda to me if I’m ruined? Why she wouldn’t look at me.
Ch. But perhaps if I’m ruined, she wouldn’t look at me.
Bel. Cheviot, I’ll confess all, if you’ll only live. You—you are not ruined!