McNaughten By God, I am frank. Woman, mistress, friend, are all alike to me. I am not afraid to say what I think. Hastings That's very proper. Everything will be fine. Please stay at my house. McNaughten I receive that gracious offer in the proper spirit, but-- Hastings To let you suffer in a hotel would be an insult. McNaughten I beg you to let me stay at liberty a little longer. Hastings So be it! I am going to see about this marriage contract. (Aside) My would be son-in-law appears a savage. But his wealth redeems all. (Exit Hastings) McNaughten (slowly) I have seen the object I am to marry. Spruce Yes, sir. Right here. McNaughten Tell me, frankly, what do you think? Spruce To be honest with you, I didn't find many perfections. McNaughten My word, neither did I. Spruce (aside) What an additional embarrassment. One of our creditors is bearing down on us. It's the old clothes merchant who is paying us a visit. (Enter Mr. Bronlow) Bronlow (greeting McNaughten) My humble duties. I learned this morning of your return, sir. I have come to be the first to welcome you to England. We were all worried about you. Extremely worried, I may say. In my establishment, everybody loves you, me, my daughter, my wife--we all tremble with fear that something might happen to you. McNaughten Such good souls to love me without having seen me! I never would have believed it. Bronlow We owe it to you, sir. And for very good reason. You've been a friend of our house for a very long time. McNaughten (to Spruce, low) Who is this man? Spruce (low) He's--he's a visionary. A type of lunatic--with a pleasant character (making it up as he goes along, and becoming more and more inspired) --who believes everyone he meets owes him money. It's his folly to greet everyone he meets and present them with a promissory note--and to demand payment. I am surprised that he hasn't paid you the compliment already. (Aside) I think I did that rather well. McNaughten His madness is novel and rare, assuredly. Spruce (low, to McNaughten) It happens all the time in this city. If you stay here long enough, he may not be the only one you meet. Bronlow I am delighted to see you in such good health. More than you can imagine. Here's a little bill you ran up before you left. I am sure you won't quibble about paying it. Spruce (triumphantly) What did I tell you! Bronlow Because you were away so long, I was obliged to sue out a judgement against you. McNaughten A personal judgement against me! Bronlow But, kindly creditor that I am--I differ extremely from process servers whose suits and writs give people headaches--I present the bill myself-- McNaughten You're truly very good and honest. What might be your name? Bronlow Oh--you know it very well. McNaughten Let me be hanged if I know it at all! Bronlow Could you possibly forget? Spruce (aside to Bronlow) Are you unable to see the illness he's suffering from? Bronlow Indeed, I am unable to see it!