DAVID. (_all this time examining RATCLIFFE from head to foot with his lantern--aside_) Well, this be about the free and easiest chap I ever cut in with; he almost pulls the gate bell down to begin with, and when I opens the door--thinking in course it's missus come home--in he walks, and without so much as rubbing his boots on the door mat, tells me to light him up stairs, at four o'clock in the morning, too. (_aloud_) Who be ye, zur? I know it don't become a servant to be inquisitive--so if you'll only tell me who ye be, what ye be, why you come here, what you want here, where you come from, and a few other _particklers_, I'll be satisfied and ask no questions. RAT. (_aside_) I must get rid of this fellow. DAVID. If you want missus, she be gone from home. She be at a grand ball, and if she finds you here when she comes home, she'll blow me up in fine style, as sure as my name's---- RAT. David! DAVID. (_astonished_) He knows my name! RAT. (_turning towards DAVID_) Now hark ye, David. There's nothing more offensive to me, David, than familiarity in a servant, David; but in consideration, David, of your having only recently entered Mrs. Somerton's service---- DAVID. He knows that, too. RAT. And you're being naturally a stupid thick-headed fellow. DAVID. Dang it, he knows all about me. RAT. I have no objection to look over it this once, but the next time it occurs, David, I shall discharge you, David! DAVID. Discharge me! You? (_suddenly_) Lud a mercy--in course, I know who 'ee be now! RAT. (_alarmed_) The devil you do. DAVID. Ees, you be he. RAT. Oh! I'm he, am I? DAVID. Ees. I should have known 'ee again directly, only I never seed 'ee before. RAT. (_aside_) That's lucky! DAVID. Why missus has been expecting of you the last three days. It was only just afore she went out she said to me, "David," said she, "if my cousin should happen to arrive from London before I get home, show him every attention," says she! RAT. (_aside_) Her cousin, egad! he takes me for that simpleton Percy Postlethwaite; not very complimentary, perhaps, but decidedly lucky! (_aloud_) Yes, David, here I am, at last; and how is Mrs. Somerton? DAVID. Mrs. Somerton! is that the way you speak of your cousin? go along, do. (_poking RATCLIFFE in the side_) Ah! Mr. Percy Postlethwaite, you be a lucky young chap to get such a wife, I can tell 'ee. RAT. (_aside_) Wife! so, so, Mr. Percy Postlethwaite, matters are in a more forward state than you led me to believe. DAVID. You'll find supper all ready for 'ee in the library, (_pointing_) so I'll just light the candles. RAT. By all means, David. (_aside_) He does'nt know me. DAVID. (_while lighting the candles_) Missus 'll be mortal glad to see 'ee, and as for Peggy, she won't know whether she be standing on her head or her heels. RAT. I'm sure I'm very much obliged to Peggy. (_aside_) Who's Peggy?