_Ch._ I’ve been sold! I see that now! Belvawney has done me! But I’m not the kind of man who stands such treatment quietly. Belvawney has found his match. Symperson, they may get married, but, they shall not be happy; I’ll be revenged on them both before they’re twenty-four hours older. She marries him because she thinks his income is secure. I’ll show her she’s wrong; I won’t blow out my brains; I’ll do worse. _Sym._ What? _Ch._ I’ll marry. _Sym._ Marry? _Ch._ Anybody. I don’t care who it is. _Sym._ Will Minnie do? _Ch._ Minnie will do; send her here. _Sym._ In one moment, my dear boy--in one moment! [_Exit SYMPERSON, hurriedly._ _Ch._ Belinda alone in a cab with Belvawney! It’s maddening to think of it! He’s got his arm round her waist at this moment, if I know anything of human nature! I can’t stand it--I cannot and I will not stand it! I’ll write at once to the registrar and tell him she’s married (_sits at writing table and prepares to write_). Oh, why am I constant by disposition? Why is it that when I love a girl I can think of no other girl but that girl, whereas, when a girl loves me she seems to entertain the same degree of affection for mankind at large? I’ll never be constant again; henceforth I fascinate but to deceive! _Enter MINNIE._ _Min._ Mr. Cheviot Hill, papa tells me that you wish to speak to me. _Ch._ (_hurriedly--writing at table_). I do. Miss Symperson, I have no time to beat about the bush; I must come to the point at once. You rejected me a short time since--I will not pretend that I am pleased with you for rejecting me--on the contrary, I think it was in the worst taste. However, let bygones be bygones. Unforeseen circumstances render it necessary that I should marry at once, and you’ll do. An early answer will be esteemed, as this is business. (_Resumes his writing._) _Min._ Mr. Hill, dear papa assures me that the report about the loss of your money is incorrect. I hope this may be the case, but I cannot forget that the information comes from dear papa. Now dear papa is the best and dearest papa in the whole world, but he has a lively imagination, and when he wants to accomplish his purpose, he does not hesitate to invent--I am not quite sure of the word, but I think it is “bouncers.” _Ch._ (_writing_). You are quite right, the word is bouncers. Bouncers or bangers--either will do. _Min._ Then forgive my little silly fancies, Mr. Hill; but, before I listen to your suggestion, I must have the very clearest proof that your position is, in every way, fully assured. _Ch._ Mercenary little donkey! I will not condescend to proof. I renounce her altogether. (_Rings bell._) _Enter MAGGIE with ANGUS and MRS. MACFARLANE. ANGUS has his arm round her waist._