Part 1, Act 2, Scenes 16-17 Summary

Scene 16. As Nicholas rehearses the scene in which Romeo purchases poison from the Apothecary (played by Smike), Ralph meets with Pupker and Bonney (from the muffin company) in his office. Ralph tells Bonney that he's pulling his investment out of the company at considerable profit to himself but a considerable loss to the company. Bonney protests that the company will no longer be able to function, but Ralph is unmoved. He dismisses Bonney and Pupker, then leaves.

As Nicholas and Smike rehearse the scene in which Romeo persuades the Apothecary to ignore his conscience and take the money for the poison, Ralph visits Kate and invites her to be hostess at a party he's giving the next night for some high-bred gentlemen. Kate is reluctant, but is persuaded by her mother, who reminds her about Ralph's high...