_Sym._ True, so you could. I never thought of that. You could take them off before you go in--there’s no reason why you shouldn’t, if you do it in the dark--and _that_ objection falls to the ground. Cheviot, my lion-hearted boy, it’s impossible to resist your arguments, they are absolutely convincing. (_Shakes his hand._) [_Exit._ _Ch._ Good fellow, Symperson--I like a man who’s open to conviction! But it’s no use--all my attractions are gone--and I can _not_ live unless I feel I’m fascinating. Still, there’s one chance left--Belinda! I haven’t tried her. Perhaps, after all, she loved me for myself alone! It isn’t likely--but it’s barely possible. _Enter BELVAWNEY, who has overheard these words._ _Bel._ Out of the question; you are too late! I represented to her that you are never likely to induce any one to marry you now that you are penniless. She felt that my income was secure, and she gave me her hand and her heart. _Ch._ Then all is lost; my last chance is gone, and the irrevocable die is cast! Be happy with her, Belvawney; be happy with her! _Bel._ Happy! You shall dine with us after our honeymoon and judge for yourself. _Ch._ No, I shall not do that; long before you return I shall be beyond the reach of dinners. _Bel._ I understand--you are going abroad. Well, I don’t think you could do better than try another country. _Ch._ (_tragically_). Belvawney, I’m going to try another world! (_Drawing a pistol from his pocket._) _Bel._ (_alarmed_). What do you mean? _Ch._ In two minutes I die! _Bel._ You’re joking, of course? _Ch._ Do I look like a man who jokes? Is my frame of mind one in which a man indulges in trivialities? _Bel._ (_in great terror_). But my dear Cheviot, reflect-- _Ch._ Why should it concern you? You will be happy with Belinda. You will not be well off, but Symperson will, and I dare say he will give you a meal now and then. It will not be a nice meal, but still it will be a meal. _Bel._ Cheviot, you mustn’t do this; pray reflect; there are interests of magnitude depending on your existence. _Ch._ My mind is made up. (_Cocking the pistol._) _Bel._ (_wildly_). But I shall be ruined! _Ch._ There is Belinda’s fortune. _Bel._ She won’t have me if I’m ruined! Dear Cheviot, don’t do it--it’s culpable--it’s wrong! _Ch._ Life is valueless to me without Belinda. (_Pointing the pistol to his head._) _Bel._ (_desperately_). You shall have Belinda; she is much--very much to me, but she is not everything. Your life is very dear to me; and when I think of our old friendship----! Cheviot, you shall have anything you like, if you’ll only consent to live! _Ch._ If I thought you were in earnest; but no--no. (_Putting pistol to head._) _Bel._ In earnest? of course I’m in earnest! Why what’s the use of Belinda to me if I’m ruined? Why she wouldn’t look at me. _Ch._ But perhaps if I’m ruined, she wouldn’t look at _me_.