RODERICK
Mr. Newcombe, I have made some difficult loans during the past few years, at very onerous terms, but 18% a year interest seems very stiff indeed.
NEWCOMBE
Considering your financial circumstances, Mr. Cosgrove, it has been impossible to find anyone at all prepared to do any business with you. I think you may count yourself lucky to have this opportunity. But, obviously, if you would reject this offer, I shall keep trying to find a better one.
RODERICK
(after a pause)
I am prepared to accept the terms, Mr. Newcombe.
NEWCOMBE
There are a few other points we should discuss. The loan agreement can only be executed by her ladyship's signature, and provided that Bracegirdle and Chatwick can be assured of her ladyship's freewill in giving her signature.
RODERICK
Provided that they can be assured of her ladyship's freewill? Are you serious?
NEWCOMBE
May I be quite frank with you?
RODERICK
Yes, of course.
NEWCOMBE
Mister Bracegirdle said to me that he had heard her ladyship lives in some fear of her life, and meditated a separation, in which case, she might later repudiate any documents signed by herself while in durance, and subject them, at any rate, to a doubtful and expensive litigation. They were quite insistent on this point, and said they must have absolute assurance of her ladyship's perfect freewill in the transaction before they would advance a shilling of their capital.
RODERICK
I see.
NEWCOMBE
When I asked them in what form they would accept her ladyship's assurances, they said that they were only prepared to accept them if her ladyship confirms her written consent by word of mouth, in their presence, at their counting-house in Birchin Lane, London. I requested they come here, and save her ladyship and yourself the inconvenience of the trip to London, but they declined, saying that they did not wish to incur the risk of a visit to Castle Hackton to negotiate, as they were aware of how other respectable parties, such as Messrs. Sharp and Salomon had been treated here.
Roderick and his mother.
MOTHER
Depend on it, there is some artifice. When once you get into that wicked town, you are not safe. There are scores of writs out against you for debt. If you are taken in London, and thrown into prison, your case is hopeless.
RODERICK
Mother dear, we are now living off our own beef and mutton. We have to watch Lady Cosgrove within and the bailiffs without. There are certain situations in which people cannot dictate their own terms; and faith, we are so pressed now for money, that I would sign a bond with old Nick himself, if he would provide a good round sum. With this money, we can settle our principal debts and make a fresh start.
MOTHER
Roderick, you must listen to me. As soon as they have you in London, they will get the better of my poor innocent lad; and the first thing that I shall hear of you will be that you are in trouble. You will be a victim of your own generous and confiding nature.
Roderick and the Countess.
COUNTESS
Why go, Roderick? I am happy here, as long as you are kind to me, as you now are. We can't appear in London as we ought; the little money you will get will be spent, like all the rest has been. Let us stay here and be content.
She takes his hand and kisses it.
Mother and Roderick.
MOTHER
Humph! I believe she is at the bottom of it the wicked schemer.
Roderick's carriage moving along.
RODERICK (V.O.)
We did not start in state, you may be sure. We did not let the country know we were going, or leave notice of adieu with our neighbors. The famous Mr. James Cosgrove and his noble wife traveled in a hack-chaise and pair.
The Countess lays her head on Roderick's shoulder and smiles.
RODERICK (V.O.)
When a man is going to the devil, how easy and pleasant a journey it is! The thought of the money quite put me in a good humor, and my wife, as she lay on my shoulder in the post-chaise, going to London, said it was the happiest ride she had taken since our marriage.
The carriage stops and they disembark.
RODERICK (V.O.)
One night we stayed at Reading.
Roderick and his wife at dinner.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My lady and I agreed that, with the money, we would go to France, and wait there for better times, and that night, over our supper, formed a score of plans both for pleasure and retrenchment. You would have thought it was Darby and Joan together over their supper.
Roderick and his wife making love.
RODERICK (V.O.)
O woman! Woman! When I recollect Lady Cosgrove's smiles and blandishments, how happy she seemed to be on that night! What an air of innocent confidence appeared in her behavior, and what affectionate names she called me! I am lost in wonder at the depth of her hypocrisy. Who can be surprised that an unsuspecting person like myself should have been a victim to such a consummate deceiver?
The coach drives up.
RODERICK (V.O.)
We were in London at three o'clock, an half-an-hour before the time appointed.
Roderick and the Countess looking for the office.
RODERICK (V.O.)
I easily found out Mr. Tapewell's apartment: a gloomy den it was, and in an unlucky hour, I entered it.
They climb up dirty backstairs, lit by a feeble lamp, and the dim sky of a dismal London afternoon.
The Countess seems agitated and faint.
When they get to the door, she stops in front of it.
COUNTESS
Roderick -- don't go in. I am sure there is danger. There's time yet, let us go back -- anywhere!
The Countess has put herself before the door in a theatrical attitude and takes Roderick's hand.
He pushes her away to one side.
RODERICK
Lady Cosgrove, you are an old fool.
COUNTESS
Old fool!
She jumps at the bell, which is quickly answered by a moldy-looking gentleman in an unpowered wig.
COUNTESS
Say Lady Cosgrove is here!
She stalks down the passage, muttering: "Old Fool."
Tapewell is in his musty room, surrounded by his parchments and tin boxes.
He advances and bows, begs her ladyship to be seated, and points towards a chair for Roderick, which he takes, rather wondering at the lawyer's insolence.
The lawyer retreats to a side-door, saying he will be back in a moment.
In the next moment, he reenters, bringing with him another layer, six constables in red waist-coats, with bludgeons and pistols, and Lord Brookside.
Lady Cosgrove flings herself into the arms of her son, crying and whimpering and calling him her savior, her preserver, her gallant knight.
Then, turning to Roderick, she pours out a flood of invective which quite astonishes him.