Sir E [ Pacing stage.] A beggar, Sir Edward Trenchard a beggar, see my children reduced to labor for their bread, to misery perhaps; but the alternative, Florence detests him, still the match would save her, at least, from ruin. He might take the family name, I might retrench, retire, to the continent for a few years. Florence's health might serve as a pretence. Repugnant as the alternative is, yet it deserves consideration. Coyle [Who has watched.] Now, Sir Edward, shall I ring for the servants to kick me out? Sir E Nay Mr. Coyle, you must pardon my outburst, you know I am hasty, and---- Flo [Without.] Papa, dear! [Enters gaily, starts on seeing Coyle.] Papa, pardon my breaking in on business, but our American cousin has come, such an original--and we are only waiting for you to escort us to the field. Sir E I will come directly, my love. Mr. Coyle, my dear, you did not see him. Flo [Disdainfully.] Oh! yes, I saw him, papa. Sir E Nay, Florence, your hand to Mr. Coyle. [Aside.] I insist. Flo Papa. [Frightened at his look, gives her hand. Coyle attempts to kiss it, she snatches it away and crosses to L.] Sir E [Crosses to L.] Come, Florence. Mr. Coyle, we will join you in the park. Come, my love, take my arm. [Hurries her off, L. 1 E.] Coyle Shallow, selfish fool. She warned you of me did she? And you did not heed her; you shall both pay dearly. She, for her suspicions, and you that you did not share them. [Walks up and down.] How lucky the seals were not cut from that mortgage, when the release was given. 'Tis like the silly security of the Trenchard's. This mortgage makes Ravensdale mine, while the release that restores it to its owner lies in the recess of the bureau, whose secret my father revealed to me on his death bed. [Enter Murcott, L. 1 E.] Write to the mortgagee of the Fanhill and Ellenthrope estates, to foreclose before the week is out, and tell Walters and Brass to put in execution to-day. We'll prick this wind-bag of a Baronet. Abel, we have both a bone to pick with him and his daughter. [Murcott starts.] Why, what's the matter? Mur Nothing, the dizziness I've had lately. Coyle Brandy in the evening, brandy in the morning, brandy all night. What a fool you are, Murcott. Mur Who knows that as well as I do? Coyle If you would but keep the money out of your mouth, there's the making of a man in you yet.