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--

RICARDOS. Gentlemen, this is very painful for me. It is my daughter's
good name--[He again wipes his brow].

TWISDEN. Come, sir, speak out!

RICARDOS. [Desperately] The notes were a settlement to her from this
gentleman, of whom she was a great friend.

TWISDEN. [Suddenly] I am afraid we must press you for the name of the
gentleman.

RICARDOS. Sare, if I give it to you, and it does 'im 'arm, what will my
daughter say? This is a bad matter for me. He behaved well to her; and
she is attached to him still; sometimes she is crying yet because she
lost him. And now we betray him, perhaps, who knows? This is very
unpleasant for me. [Taking up the paper] Here it gives the number of
another note--a 'undred-pound note. I 'ave that too. [He takes a note
from his breast pocket].

GRAVITER. How much did he give you in all?

RICARDOS. For my daughter's settlement one thousand pounds. I
understand he did not wish to give a cheque because of his marriage.
So I did not think anything about it being in notes, you see.

TWISDEN. When did he give you this money?

RICARDOS. The middle of Octobare last.

TWISDEN. [Suddenly looking up] Mr Ricardos, was it Captain Dancy?

RICARDOS. [Again wiping his forehead] Gentlemen, I am so fond of my
daughter. I have only the one, and no wife.

TWISDEN. [With an effort] Yes, yes; but I must know.

RICARDOS. Sare, if I tel