McNaughten Why, yes, by all the Devils, that is what I say, and what I will maintain, now and forever. Jenny Surely, you wouldn't dare to take your oath on that, sir? McNaughten Yes, I swear it. For, I've never had my portrait drawn, which proves it, beyond question. Spruce This is no time to feign. If you have received it, no matter how--you are going too far. McNaughten I don't know anything about it--may the Devil take me if I do! Jenny Isn't this your portrait in this locket? McNaughten No--unless the Devil, to injure me, painted it with his own hands and gave it to you. Jenny What audacity--what effrontery! But, I will confound you. Look--what can you say to this witness? (opening the locket) Well--do you know the face and the features? McNaughten How the Devil! It's--me. Who'd ever have thought such a thing possible? Those are my eyes, my look. Spruce (taking the portrait from Jenny) Let's have a look, please. Put the original beside the copy. My word-- it is you, all right. A speaking portrait. Never did a painter draw a better likeness. McNaughten There's some sorcery--or at least some trick. You will see. These two creatures painted it while I was on the coach--just to play me some trick. It's all part of their plan. Jenny Stop it, please. McNaughten Stop it yourself! Go try to meet men some other way, and leave me alone. Jenny Give me back the portrait! McNaughten Of whom? Jenny Of my mistress, who else? McNaughten (grabbing her roughly by the shoulders) I don't know anything about it. Get out and leave me alone. Jenny Do you know, sir, that before leaving this place, I am going to scratch your eyes out? Spruce Sir, to avoid any further quarrel--give her her portrait. You know a woman scorned is a hundred times more vicious than all the Devils in Hell. McNaughten But, were she a thousand times more of a Devil than she is-- I don't know her or her mistress. Spruce (to Jenny) Never mind what he says. He must still be in love with her. Let me soften him up a bit. Come back soon, and I will have it for you. Jenny Oh, all right. I can wait a little. But if he refuses to listen to reason when I get back, I am going to burn the house down, understand? (Smiling) (Exit Jenny) McNaughten I don't know which of those harridans is more frightening: the mistress or the maid. How can perfect strangers be so enthusiastic about persecuting me--? Like furies from Hell. Spruce A man like you--young, loveable, handsome--is subject to these misfortunes. Between lovers, fights like these are mere bagatelles. >From today, I promise to make you friends with her. McNaughten Lord forbid. Spruce (aside) But, who do I see coming this way? It's the Squire. That hundred pounds is going to spell trouble for us. (Enter the Squire)