Luke. (_After pausing, during which they have looked steadily at each other, turning away l._) Well, the bullet went in above his ear, because I examined the wound: and his body went over a two hundred-foot precipice--that I could also take an affidavit to--only I’d rather not. (_Turning round and facing Mike again._) What makes you doubt it? Mike. I don’t know--nothing. The idea occurred to me, that’s all. (_Turns l. a little._) Luke. Don’t you drink so much and you won’t have so many ideas. (_After a pause, during which he seems troubled, shaking it oft with an effort._) Have you got the letters with you? It will look well to take them out casually while talking. (_Crosses R.; sits on table._) Mike. (_Who has crossed to L., taking them out of his breast pocket and holding them in his hand._) Yes, here they are all right. Bah! (_With a shudder._) I always see his face when I look on the darned things--I--Mrs. R. (_Without, loudly._) Dick Hanningford--Dick Hanningford, my boy! (_Mike drops suddenly in sitting posture on sofa L. with a cry “Ah.” Luke works round at back and drops down l._) (_Enter Mrs. R., excitedly, followed at little distance by Allen and Deborah from c. Allen and Deborah remain up. Rachel from door down l._) Mrs. R. (_Coming down towards Mike._) What, Dick, my boy, where be thee? (_Sees Mike on sofa; making towards him._) Ah, there thee be--I thought I’d know thee again though thee wur only in knickerbockers when I last saw ’ee. Tain’t thy fault thy father wur a bit stingy. Come and gie us a hug, lad. Lord love us--(_she is just in font of him, begins to speak in a bewildered, hesitating manner, in tones gradually dying away to an awed whisper, as she slowly step by step backs from him._) How--how you’ve grown--Dick--Dick Hanningford--what--(_stands staring at him; a strange awed silence prevails_). Deb. (_Advancing in a terrified voice._) Aunt. Mrs. R. (_Motioning her back with her arm, but not turning and speaking in a quick, excited, loud tone._) Keep back, child, don’t come near. (_Luke is near Mike down c._) Allen. (_Springing forward._) Mother! What’s the matter? Mrs. R. (_As before._) The man’s dead. Luke. (_r. stepping forward._) Dead! Mr. P. (_Who has entered c. followed by Ichabod and Rachel l. He goes quietly up to Mike and lays his hand on his heart, and bends over him earnestly, and it is a few seconds before he speaks._) Heart disease, I suppose. (_At back of settee l. Gets r.c. of settle._) My letter in his hand. (_Gets to back of settle._) It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good. (_Turns and feels Mike’s heart once again, then quietly turns away to Allen. Comes c._) He stood between you and £200,000. You are now old Hanningford’s heir! Allen. I! Mrs. R. Allen! Luke. (_To corpse of Mike--aside as he crosses to back._) Curse you! MEDIUM CURTAIN. ACT II.