VENUS. Better; aye, far better! They sit at your bidding, and you make them sit in silence while you bend over their faces with yonder sharp little instrument, and you threaten their bare throats! You are indeed a king of mortals, and I love you even more! I would do anything for thee! ALPH. Well, first of all give me the ring. VENUS. The sole symbol of my power--the charm that has called me from my long sleep? Never. ALPH. Well, I shall place the matter in the hands of a lawyer. (_Aside._) If I could only get her to stay here a bit, I'd go and find that inspector fellow and tell him all about it. (_Aloud._) Just stay here a minute. I'll go and get you two pen'oth of eels. You must feel hungry. (_He suddenly gets out by door, and when he is outside, he locks it._) Now, my lady, you're safe for a little bit. I'll just see if I can find that inspector. _Just as he is going, enter JANE, R. U. E._ Oh, it's all over! JANE. You don't seem pleased to see me? ALPH. Oh, yes, I am, dear! I never felt so pleased in all my life! JANE. Well, you're a nice one! Why don't you ask me in? ALPH. The fact is, I've got the brokers in. JANE. It's false! I can see it in your face. You are deceiving me! You've got someone in there you don't want me to see! But I will go in. ALPH. No, don't--you'll be crushed. JANE. Alphonzo, much as I love you, I will leave you for ever unless you let me see who is in your shop! VENUS. (_Who is trying to get out by door._) Alphonzo, release me at once! ALPH. Oh! JANE. Oh, you deceitful wretch, a woman's voice! I knew it! I'll take poison! ALPH. And rob the poor beetles? (_Venus, seeing she can't get out by door, quietly walks through vampire at back, and faces Alphonzo and Jane._) VENUS. Ah, then this is your love? JANE. (_Screaming._) Oh, a ghost! (_Falls on her knees._) VENUS. Away, maiden--he loves you not; he is mine--lest I crush thee! ALPH. (_To Jane._) Here, get inside! (_Opens door, and Jane runs in shop and gets behind screen._) Now, look here, missus, I won't have any more of this. Hallo, give me that razor! VENUS. Never! With this I will sweep my rival from my path! (_Suddenly enters shop._) Where is she, I say? Ah, look! I've cut my hand! I bleed! ALPH. Ah, you've cut the finger with my ring on! (_Tries to get it off._) Let me hold it! VENUS. Never! You would seek flight! I will keep this! Oh, the loss of this blood is freezing me! I am going, Alphonzo! Ah! (_Gong.--Lightning. She is again transfixed._)