The McNaughtens Part 14

Hastings I believe you without swearing.

McNaughten This woman has vowed to make me insane. Spirit, demon, mischief making witch, woman or fury--whatever you are: I beg you, leave me alone.

(Enter Torrington)

Hastings Ah, Mr. Torrington, you come just in time, and we await you eagerly.

Torrington I meet the company with pleasure, reunited on a joyful day in one place. I believe my presence won't displease. The future has great attractions. Your daughter was only lacking a husband--despite all her attractions, she was incomplete. But, now, behold the well made man love has given her. Now, she has nothing to desire.

McNaughten Except to be a widow, and see me buried. That is the finis.h.i.+ng 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 a.s.sure 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.

McNaughten Let this man judge of our difference. He's hardly left me all day. I call him as witness. Let him speak.

(To Spruce) Did I receive money today from this gentleman?

Spruce Without a doubt. Sixty thousand pounds that your uncle left you in negotiable instruments.