Part 34 (1/2)

JOHN.

Hang Parliament! no, The Bank, the Bank, Alfred!

ALFRED.

What Bank?

JOHN.

Heavens! I know You are careless;--but surely you have not forgotten,-- Or neglected... I warn'd you the whole thing was rotten.

You have drawn those deposits at least?

ALFRED.

No, I meant To have written to-day; but the note shall be sent To-morrow, however.

JOHN.

To-morrow? too late!

Too late! oh, what devil bewitch'd you to wait?

ALFRED.

Mercy save us! you don't mean to say...

JOHN.

Yes, I do.

ALFRED.

What! Sir Ridley?

JOHN.

Smash'd, broken, blown up, bolted too!

ALFRED.

But his own niece?... In Heaven's name, Jack...

JOHN.

Oh, I told you The old hypocritical scoundrel would...

ALFRED.

Hold! you Surely can't mean we are ruin'd?

JOHN.

Sit down!

A fortnight ago a report about town Made me most apprehensive. Alas, and alas!

I at once wrote and warn'd you. Well, now let that pa.s.s.