JAMES. I don't care. I mean to get my own back. If I can only get my knife into that man--I'll take the consequences. JOHN. On the other hand--if you won't make a fuss at the inquest, I'll give you fifty pounds. JAMES. [_Jumping up indignantly._] Are you trying to bribe me? JOHN. [_Calmly._] Yes. JAMES. I would 'ave you know that I'm a gentleman, and what's more, I'm an Englishman. And I'm proud of it. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. I've never 'ad any one try and bribe me before. JOHN. [_Indifferently._] Otherwise you would, doubtless, have accepted. JAMES. I've got more than half a mind to knock you down. JOHN. [_With a slight smile._] Come, come, Mr. Bush, don't be ridiculous. You'd far better keep quiet, you know. JAMES. [_Scornfully._] What do you think fifty pounds is to me? JOHN. [_With a sharp look._] Who spoke of fifty pounds? JAMES. You did. JOHN. You must have mistaken me. A hundred and fifty. JAMES. Oh! [_At first he is surprised, then, as the amount sinks into his mind, grows doubtful._] That's a very different pair of shoes. JOHN. I don't ask you to say anything untrue. After all, it's not worth while for a man of the world like you--a business man--to give way to petty spite. And we don't want to have any scandal. That would be just as unpleasant for you as for us. JAMES. [_Undecided._] There's no denying that she was hysterical. If he'd only treated me like a gentleman, I shouldn't have had anything to say. JOHN. Well? JAMES. [_With a foxy, keen glance at_ JOHN.] Make it two 'undred, and I'll say done. JOHN. [_Firmly._] No. You can take a hundred and fifty, or go to the devil. JAMES. Oh, well, 'and it over. JOHN. [_Taking a cheque out of his pocket._] I'll give you fifty now and the rest after the inquest. JAMES. [_With a certain admiration._] You're a sharp 'un, you are. [JOHN _writes out the cheque and gives it to_ JAMES BUSH. JAMES. Shall I give you a receipt? I'm a business man, you know. JOHN. Yes, I know; but it's not necessary. You'll tell your mother and sister? JAMES. Don't you fear. I'm a gentleman, and I don't go back on my friends. JOHN. Now I think I'll say good morning to you. You can understand that Basil isn't fit to see any one. JAMES. I understand. So long. [_He stretches out his hand, which_ JOHN _shakes gravely_.] JOHN. Good morning. [FANNY _comes in by one door as_ JAMES BUSH _goes out by another_.] FANNY. Good riddance to bad rubbish. JOHN. Ah, Fanny, if there were no rogues in the world, life would really be too difficult for honest men. [FANNY _goes out, and_ JOHN _walks to the door and calls_.] JOHN. Basil--he's gone.... Where are you? [BASIL _comes out of the room in which is lying Jenny's body_.] JOHN. I didn't know you were in there. BASIL. I wonder if she forgives me? JOHN.