MRS. S. (_retreating, and in a tone of alarm which she endeavours to
repress_) Who are you, sir? and why this unseasonable intrusion? I
insist on knowing.
RAT. A little patience, my dear madam, and you shall. (_observing MRS.
SOMERTON, who endeavours to reach the door, L. C._) One moment, madam.
Before you summon your servants, allow me to observe that I shall be
under the painful necessity of punishing any one who presumes to
interrupt so delightful a _tete à tete._ (_slowly taking his pistols
from his pocket, and depositing them on the table_)
MRS. S. (_terrified and aside_) He's armed. (_suddenly_) Ah! that
writing desk--that large sum of money--(_placing herself before the
table on which the writing desk is, and supporting herself with
difficulty_)
RAT. Now, madam, (_crosses to R. with chair_) the sooner I explain the
object of this somewhat unceremonious visit, the better. Will you
allow me to lead you to a chair? (_politely offering his hand to MRS.
SOMERTON, who draws back in alarm_) Pray, my dear madam let me once
more entreat you not to be alarmed. (_MRS. SOMERTON after a slight
hesitation, gives him her hand, and he leads her to the chair near
table, at C._) Be seated, I beg. (_MRS. SOMERTON seats herself.
RATCLIFFE about to remove up for another chair, MRS. SOMERTON
advancing her hand towards the pistol--stops_) Pray be cautious with
those pistols, madam; they are hair triggers, and I perceive the
muzzles are directly pointed towards you. (_goes up to the back for a
chair_)
MRS. S. (_aside and suddenly_) If I could but distinguish his
features, so as to be able to recognise him. (_hastily runs and brings
candle from the small table at L., and places it on table before her_)
RAT. (_coming down with the chair, R.--stops_) You'll pardon me,
madam, but having suffered lately from a severe cold in my eyes, this
excess of light would be positively distressing to me. (_removes the
candle to the mantel-piece, L.; then about to seat himself opposite to
MRS. SOMERTON_) Have I your permission, madam? I thank you! (_seats
himself_)
MRS. S. (_aside_) Was there ever such unblushing effrontery?
RAT. Now, madam, I will come to the point at once. I am in the
immediate want of _fifteen thousand pounds._ (_with marked intention_)
MRS. S. (_aside_) He knows all.
RAT. Which sum, madam, I intend to invest in a speculation, which
promises the most advantageous results.
MRS. S. (_with affected unconcern_) I cannot understand, sir, how the
subject you allude to can possibly interest me.
RAT. More than you imagine, my dear madam, for I propose that you
shall become my partner in this speculation; in other words, I will
find the industry and energy requisite in carrying it into effect,
while you _simply have to provide the money._ (_with marked emphasis_)
MRS. S. (_indignantly_) Sir!
RAT. That's all! I'll therefore make out a receipt for the amount at
once. (_taking a piece of paper, and beginning to write_)
MRS. S. (_aside, and looking towards the back of the stage_) That bell
communicates with David's room; it is my only hope. (_cautiously rises
from her chair, and goes on tiptoe towards the chimney-piece_)
POS. (_appearing at little window above door at R. C._) I should very
much like to know who has taken the liberty of locking me in! I
repeat, who has taken the liberty of locking me in? I pause for a
reply.
MRS. S. (_looking at RATCLIFFE, who pretends to be writing, but is
watching her movements--then making a sudden grasp at the bell rope_)
Ah! the bell rope cut!
RAT. (_quietly looking up_) Yes, true! I quite forgot to mention that
I had taken that _little precaution_ against interruption. (_resumes
his writing_)
POS. (_listening_) Holloa! Either cousin Somerton has got a very bad
cold, or she's not alone!