MRS. S. (_hearing the noise of the door closing, and without turning round, as she unclasps her bracelets_) Is that you again, Peggy? (_not receiving an answer, she turns and sees RATCLIFFE; starts violently, and checking a scream_) A man! RAT. (L.) Do not be alarmed, madam, I beg. (_advancing slowly_) 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.