RAT. And now, madam, the necessary forms being completed on my part, all that remains is for you to find the funds; amounting, as I believe I mentioned before, to the sum of fifteen thousand pounds.
MRS. S. (_forcing a laugh_) And do you imagine I could be imprudent enough to keep so large a sum of money----?
RAT. On your person? Oh, dear no; that would be an indiscretion for which, as your partner, I should certainly take the liberty of scolding you.
POS. What's that? he says he's my wife's partner! I never even knew she was in business.
RAT. Until you could deposit it with your banker's, you have, doubtless, placed it somewhere under lock and key; but as you seem to have forgotten the exact locality, I shall be most happy to assist you in your search. Suppose we begin with the writing desk. (_placing his hand on the desk_) Will you oblige me with the key?
MRS. S. I--I have mislaid or lost it, sir: at least, I think I have.
RAT. Pray _think_ again, my dear madam, as it would be really a pity to damage so elegant a piece of furniture.
POS. No--he's a smasher! It's lucky for him I can't get at him.
MRS. S. (_suddenly, and with resolution_) Sir, although alone, and in the power of a desperate man like you, I will not be plundered except by violence.
POS. That's right, cousin--stick to that! She's a trump!
RAT. (_approaching her as she leans against table in C., and in a tone of reproach_) Violence to a woman, and _such a woman!_ (_bowing_)
RAT. I see you mistake me, madam, I came here to serve you--to propose to you a safe and profitable investment for your money, but the moment you object to that proposal---- (_taking one of the pistols off the table and playing with it_)
POS. What's that he's got in his hand? (_RATCLIFFE cocks the pistol, the noise of which is distinctly heard_) It's a blunderbuss! (_disappears like lightning, then cautiously appears again_)
MRS. S. (_shuddering and sinking into a chair_) You will find the key--in that vase--on the mantel-piece.
RAT. That vase, madam? (_pointing with his pistol towards mantel-piece in the direction of POSTLETHWAITE, who again disappears like a shot; RATCLIFFE goes to the mantel-piece, upon which he deposits his pistols--then takes key out of the vase, and goes to the writing desk: during this POSTLETHWAITE re-appears cautiously, sees the pistols, and by leaning very much out of little window, tries to reach them--almost falling out--disappears; re-appears with the tongs, and again tries to reach the pistols_) Ah! here is a drawer that requires some force to open, doubtless it contains the---- (_opening drawer_) No, your diamonds. Ah, madam, I can trace the amiability of your disposition even in your treatment of these poor jewels--you cease to wear them because their beauty would be eclipsed by yours. (_replacing diamonds in desk_)