_Mr. S._ Dr. Athelney, this poor woman is an example to you. She has learned her mistress’s true character.
_Ruth._ Ay, I have. I have learned my missis’s true character.
_Mrs. V. B._ Ruth, how have I injured you, that even you turn against me? I loved you, Ruth!
_Ruth._ (_with some emotion_). You ha’n’t injured me, but I’m a ’spectable woman. You’ve made me ’spectable, and you must bide the consequence. (_To MR. SMAILEY_)--You want the burial-ticket of Captain Van Brugh’s dead wife?
_Mr. S._ Give it to me, and you shall be paid.
_Mr. S._ As soon as I’ve verified it you shall be paid.
_Ruth._ Maybe you’ll take some time over it. I must ha’ the brass.
_Mr. S._ (_giving her a bank note_). There is the money, but mind, if you are deceiving me, there is a constable outside.
_Mr. S._ You fool, what have you done! Give me the paper.
_Ruth._ I’ll give it to him. (_Indicating FITZ PARTINGTON, who has come between them._)
_Fitz._ (_takes paper and reads_). “St. Andrew’s Church, Port Philip, 17 July, 1858.”
_Mr. S._ ’58! Why, she died in ’69--I know she died in ’69. This is some forgery--we shall want the constable yet.
_Fitz._ This is some forgery. We shall want the constable yet. (_Reads._) “This is to certify that on the above date I read the burial service over the remains of Martha Vane, of Port Philip.” (_SMAILEY sinks into a chair._)
_Mrs. V. B._ That was her maiden name, the name under which she passed when she left her husband.
_Mr. S._ (_much confused_). This is not what I advertised for.
_Fitz._ No, but it’s what _I_ advertised for.
_Mr. S._ You? What have you to do with this?
_Fitz._ I was engaged to trace this forgery to you at the time when you engaged me to undermine the character of this inestimable lady. In strict compliance with the terms of our contract, you have allowed me the free run of all your books, papers, and memoranda, and I am much obliged to you.
_Fred._ (_who has heard this with the greatest concern_). Father! Tell them that it’s a lie.
_Fitz._ It ain’t a lie. The case is only too clear. Tredgett and he were both in it, but she turns Queen’s evidence. Mr. Smailey, I desire to press hardly on no fellow-creature, but your own policeman is without, and he will be happy to walk off with you whenever you find it convenient to be arrested. (_About to touch SMAILEY on shoulder._)