CRAWSHAW. Well, well! Margaret will be interested in our news. And you must send that solicitor a line--or perhaps a telephone message would be better. [_He goes to the door and turns round just as he is going out._] Yes, I think the telephone, Richard; it would be safer. [_Exit._]
RICHARD [_holding out his hands to VIOLA_]. Come here, Mrs. Wurzel-Flummery.
VIOLA. Not Mrs. Wurzel-Flummery; Mrs. Dick. And soon, please, darling. [_She comes to him._]
RICHARD [_shaking his head sadly at her_]. I don't know what I've done, Viola. [_Suddenly._] But you're worth it. [_He kisses her, and then says in a low voice._] And God help me if I ever stop thinking so!
_Enter MR. DENIS CLIFTON. He sees them, and walks about very tactfully with his back towards them, humming to himself._
CLIFTON [_to himself_]. Now where did I put those papers? [_He hums to himself again._] Now where--oh, I beg your pardon! I left some papers behind.
VIOLA. Dick, you'll tell him. [_As she goes out, she says to CLIFTON._] Good-by, Mr. Clifton, and thank you for writing such nice letters.
VIOLA [_smiling happily_]. No, not Miss, Mrs. [_She goes out._]
CLIFTON [_looking in surprise from her to him_]. You don't mean--
RICHARD. Yes; and I'm taking the money after all, Mr. Clifton.
CLIFTON. Dear me, what a situation! [_Thoughtfully to himself._] I wonder how a rough scenario would strike the managers.
RICHARD. You missed all the best part. You didn't hear what I said to Crawshaw about money before you came.
CLIFTON [_thoughtfully_]. Oh! was it very--[_Brightening up._] But I expect Uncle Antony heard. [_After a pause._] Well, I must be getting on. I wonder if you've noticed any important papers lying about, in connection with the Great Missenden Canal Company--a most intricate case, in which my clerk and I--[_He has murmured himself across to the fireplace, and the fragments of his important case suddenly catch his eye. He picks up one of the fragments._] Ah, yes. Well, I shall tell my clerk that we lost the case. He will be sorry. He had got quite fond of that canal. [_He turns to go, but first says to MERITON._] So you're taking the money, Mr. Meriton?
CLIFTON [_to himself as he goes out_]. They are both taking it. [_He stops and looks up to UNCLE ANTONY with a smile._] Good old Uncle Antony--_he_ knew--_he_ knew! [_MERITON stands watching him as he goes._]
