RAT. I see you mistake me, madam, I came here to serve you--to propose to you a safe and profitable investment for your money, but the moment you object to that proposal---- (_taking one of the pistols off the table and playing with it_) POS. What's that he's got in his hand? (_RATCLIFFE cocks the pistol, the noise of which is distinctly heard_) It's a blunderbuss! (_disappears like lightning, then cautiously appears again_) MRS. S. (_shuddering and sinking into a chair_) You will find the key--in that vase--on the mantel-piece. RAT. That vase, madam? (_pointing with his pistol towards mantel-piece in the direction of POSTLETHWAITE, who again disappears like a shot; RATCLIFFE goes to the mantel-piece, upon which he deposits his pistols--then takes key out of the vase, and goes to the writing desk: during this POSTLETHWAITE re-appears cautiously, sees the pistols, and by leaning very much out of little window, tries to reach them--almost falling out--disappears; re-appears with the tongs, and again tries to reach the pistols_) Ah! here is a drawer that requires some force to open, doubtless it contains the---- (_opening drawer_) No, your diamonds. Ah, madam, I can trace the amiability of your disposition even in your treatment of these poor jewels--you cease to wear them because their beauty would be eclipsed by yours. (_replacing diamonds in desk_) MRS. S. (_aside, and smiling_) To do the wretch justice he has a certain mode of expressing himself---- POS. I hope he don't mean to keep on fumbling that writing desk about much longer, because the bottom of the cane chair has just given way. Surely, Cousin Somerton never could have been such a simpleton as to lock all her money up there. RAT. Ah, at last--(_taking the pocket book out of the desk, and advancing to MRS. SOMERTON_)--the pocket book. POS. She's a ruined woman and so am I! (_dropping his head against the side of the window_) MRS. S. (_suddenly, and with an expression of hope_) Surely I heard a voice! RAT. One of your servants probably. (_going up towards mantel-piece, and taking his pistols_) I hope he will not take it into his head to interrupt us, for I should certainly send a bullet through it. (_POSTLETHWAITE drops, and a noise of falling heard within door, R. C.; RATCLIFFE places the pistols on chimney piece_) And now, madam, (_returning towards table at C._) with many apologies for detaining you so long from your slumbers, I humbly take my leave. (_seeing the receipt, which he has left on the table_) Stay! (_taking up the receipt, which he presents to MRS. SOMERTON_) I promised you a receipt, madam, and here it is. MRS. S. (_derisively_) A very valuable document to me no doubt, sir. RAT. A very necessary one, madam, in all commercial transactions. (_MRS. SOMERTON takes the receipt, and indignantly crumples it up in her hand_) Once more, madam, farewell. (_taking his cloak and hat_) And in taking my leave, be assured that I carry away with me----