McNaughten I will wait for you. Go, but don't delay. I need to calm down. I begin to believe everyone in this city is crazy. Of all the people I've met today, I've only found one. besides myself, who is reasonable, and that's you. (Exit McNaughten to the hotel) Spruce I intend to inspect everything. Let's see. The fish himself is in our net. Everything is going according to plan. Today, I serve two gods-- Fortune and Cupid. I hope to make myself useful! BLACKOUT Scene II. The same, a short while later. Spruce is standing in front of the hotel. Spruce I've been watching this door, and no one has come out. My master has had time to get his money and run. And I, diligent accomplice that I am, wait here to make sure that the brother doesn't spoil things by running to Torrington and discovering this mystery. Already, a creditor has embarrassed me. It's laughable to think all that's happened. I've put things into the hands of a man with an ardent imagination. God, if McNaughten were a bit less headstrong and argumentative, he'd have seen through it all by now. Thank Heaven for passionate people. But I see Jenny coming. My amorous heart ignites with new flames in her presence. (Enter Jenny) Jenny I am come to look for your master. Spruce While waiting for him to come, permit my love to entertain you. Let me sacrifice my heart at the altar of your matchless charms. Jenny Take your sacrifices elsewhere, and never trouble yourself to speak to me again! Your master has treated me with disrespect, and I am going to be avenged on you for it. To call me a creature! Spruce But, is that my fault? Jenny (implacably) You are his valet! Spruce Ha, don't pay attention to him. Sometimes, he's like that. Hard and brutal as a dog. Jenny My ears are still ringing from his villainous words, and, my lady is so scandalized that she is breaking with him, forever, even though it breaks her poor heart. I am sent to collect her portrait and all her letters. Spruce It's useless to keep the letters, but as to the portrait--the frame is made of gold and studded with diamonds. It's my considered opinion, that he should not part with the portrait,--it's too precious to give back--from sentiment, of course. The two are not the same. We can pawn it, if the need for money drives us to extremities, my child. Jenny Why make such a big fuss over a portrait. Spruce Because, we were in big trouble not long ago. Once burned, twice shy. Fortunately, an uncle--a very honest man, has helped us out, by voluntarily descending to the underworld quicker than we could say his name. He has saved us in a very timely fashion, by making us heirs to sixty thousand pounds. Jenny Ah, Heavens, so that's it! Spruce I tell you the truth. Jenny So--in such a short time, you've become rich.