Captain But, Urania is waiting for me to dine with her!
Spruce You now have other work to do. Dine tomorrow! I believe I see your brother coming up that side street. I'm not mistaken. You must go quick-- Doubletime, Captain.
Spruce I've nothing to say to you now, except go, quickly.
(Reluctantly, with a questioning expression, the Captain goes, hurried off by Spruce. After a moment, enter McNaughten dressed in mourning.)
Spruce Finally, you're here, sir. To keep my word I've been waiting for you by this hotel, but it's been a long time.
McNaughten Yes, indeed, here I am. I thought it was all my life was worth to get here. What a country--what a Hell! I made a thousand false turns. I've never run so many risks in my life. One cannot take a step without falling in some trap. Everywhere some pickpocket hemmed me in. A carriage covered me with mud. What noise, what confusion. I believe that in this city, the Devil has finally settled on his abode.
Spruce Oh, London is a tumultuous, noisy place.
McNaughten Really! I'd much prefer to be at a Black Sabbath. A woods full of robbers is a hundred times more secure. My trunk was taken by someone else. I've lost fifteen pounds--and some love letters, too.
Spruce You have to be on your guard around here.
McNaughten I believe it, indeed. This loss will make me more alert and exact. Happily, I kept most of my money in my belt.
Spruce Did you so? How clever of you. (picking his pocket) I've had a bed prepared for you in a nice quiet room, in the back, away from the street. Do you plan to stay in this town long?
McNaughten The less, the better. I can see nothing to like about it. I'm only here to get married.
Spruce You usually can't do that business in a single day.
McNaughten I'm also here to collect an inheritance of sixty thousand pounds. I inherited it from an uncle that I had once, but no longer do--by a singular grace of God.
McNaughten Precisely. War took off my brother--opportunely. He was only twenty-- in the flower of his youth. He took a quick trip to the promised land, and has never returned. God's grace knows no bounds.
Spruce Heaven give him peace, and give you success in all your plans. If you have need of my little services, you can employ me, sir, in any way you please. I know London very well, and I am always willing to serve my friends devotedly.