McNaughten
Except to be a widow, and see me buried. That is the finishing touch
on the happiness of a woman.
Flavella
Such ideas never entered my mind.
Torrington (laughing uneasily)
The gentleman says what he thinks. Your beauty charms him as much as
your wit. I promise you, he's an honest man. I vouch for him.
McNaughten
You're joking, sir.
Torrington
And, in his headstrong character you find frankness of heart.
McNaughten (genially)
I will be even with you. It's you to whom virtues are social
conventions. I would praise you equally, if I had your facility with
words.
Torrington
If, as I believe, we are all agreed, we can proceed.
Urania (sweetly)
No need to hurry. I am opposed, if you please, to this pretty
marriage, and for a very good reason.
Hastings
You can tell us your reasons and your griefs tomorrow, sister. Don't
prevent us from doing our business.
Torrington
Here, then, is the contract.
McNaughten
But, first, sir, there is a little business that must be settled
first.
Torrington
Whatever you like is best. I wouldn't have been in such a hurry if you
hadn't asked me to finish drawing up the contract as soon as possible.
McNaughten
Are you suggesting you've seen me before?
Torrington
At my house.
McNaughten
When?
Torrington
A little while ago.
McNaughten
Who--me? Me?
Torrington
You, yes, you. You paid me the honor of a visit in my home. But I made
it worth your while, for I paid you sixty thousand pounds sterling.
McNaughten
Wait a minute. What did you say?
Torrington
You're trying to make some joke.
McNaughten
This is no laughing matter, I assure you. In fact, I am getting upset.
Isn't your name Torrington?
Torrington
It certainly is.
McNaughten
And are you not a solicitor?
Torrington
I am--and an honest man to boot.
McNaughten
Oh, that's something else again. Don't you have sixty thousand pounds
inheritance for me?
Torrington
I did--but no longer.
McNaughten
Why not?
Torrington
Isn't McNaughten your name?
McNaughten
Without a doubt.
Torrington
Then, I gave the sum to you, in cash and bills of exchange. And,
what's more, I have your receipt for it.
McNaughten
What, sir? You have the effrontery, the insolence--
Torrington
What, sir--have you the audacity, the impudence--
McNaughten
To say that I received sixty thousand pounds for you.
Torrington
The boldness to deny it?
McNaughten
There, I confess it--an abominable man!
Torrington
There, I swear it to you--a detestable cheat.
Hastings
Hey, gentlemen, gentlemen, easy. I am ashamed for you, and I don't
know which of you to believe.
Flavella
Sir, this gentleman might indeed have a heart dark enough to--
Urania
Yes, he's a rogue who glories in crime.
Jenny
Sue him, and if there's a need I will be a witness against him.
(Enter Spruce)
Spruce
Hey, what's going on here? Here's a big squabble.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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