Ricardos.  Yes, sare.

Twisden.  You were not aware that it was stolen?

Ricardos. [With his hand to his breast] Oh! no, sare.

Twisden.  You received it from—?

Ricardos.  A minute, sare; I would weesh to explain—­[With an expressive shrug] in private.

Twisden. [Nodding] Mr Gilman, your conduct has been most prompt.  You may safely leave the matter in our hands, now.  Kindly let us retain this note; and ask for my cashier as you go out and give him [He writes] this.  He will reimburse you.  We will take any necessary steps ourselves.

Gilman. [In slight surprise, with modest pride] Well, sir, I’m in your ’ands.  I must be guided by you, with your experience.  I’m glad you think I acted rightly.

Twisden.  Very rightly, Mr Gilman—­very rightly. [Rising] Good afternoon!

Gilman.  Good afternoon, sir.  Good afternoon, gentlemen! [To Twisden] I’m sure I’m very ’appy to have made your acquaintance, sir.  It’s a well-known name.

Twisden.  Thank you.

     Gilman retreats, glances at Ricardos, and turns again.

Gilman.  I suppose there’s nothing else I ought to do, in the interests of the law?  I’m a careful man.

Twisden.  If there is, Mr Gilman, we will let you know.  We have your address.  You may make your mind easy; but don’t speak of this.  It might interfere with Justice.

Gilman.  Oh!  I shouldn’t dream of it.  I’ve no wish to be mixed up in anything conspicuous.  That’s not my principle at all.  Good-day, gentlemen.

     He goes.

Twisden. [Seating himself] Now, sir, will you sit down.

     But Ricardos does not sit; he stands looking uneasily across the
     table at Graviter.

You may speak out.

Ricardos.  Well, Mr Tweesden and sare, this matter is very serious for me, and very delicate—­it concairns my honour.  I am in a great difficulty.

Twisden.  When in difficulty—­complete frankness, sir.

Ricardos.  It is a family matter, sare, I—­

Twisden.  Let me be frank with you. [Telling his points off on his fingers] We have your admission that you changed this stopped note for value.  It will be our duty to inform the Bank of England that it has been traced to you.  You will have to account to them for your possession of it.  I suggest to you that it will be far better to account frankly to us.

Ricardos. [Taking out a handkerchief and quite openly wiping his hands and forehead] I received this note, sare, with others, from a gentleman, sare, in settlement of a debt of honour, and I know nothing of where he got them.

Twisden.  H’m! that is very vague.  If that is all you can tell us, I’m afraid—­