Part 16 (1/2)

REBECCA.

[_Vexed._] Your servant--that Christian person--I suppose she's listening at that door?

RAFAEL.

[_He sits on the table._] You might go up and see.

REBECCA.

[_After hesitating, she runs up the stairs and opens the door._] Oh! I don't believe there is any one in the house but us! I'm afraid to come down!

RAFAEL.

You needn't be!

REBECCA.

You mustn't come up!

RAFAEL.

They'll be home soon. Let us proceed to business.

REBECCA.

[_Archly coming down one step._] Do you call it business?

RAFAEL.

I can't say I do. I weigh 12 stone, Rebecca, and your father won't give but 8000 guilders. That's--that's 666 guilders a stone; 14 into 666, that's only 45 guilders a pound! And----

REBECCA.

No, it's over 47-1/2 guilders a pound.

RAFAEL.

I am sure you are right--only 47-1/2 guilders a pound he'll give for me. No, I can't say I call that business.

REBECCA.

[_Coming down a step._] You don't seem to have much sentiment about it, Rafael.

RAFAEL.

Ah, if it were only a matter of sentiment! [_She comes down two steps._] But sentiment after business, Rebecca, after business. I am 40 inches round the chest, Rebecca; and if my heart should swell I should be doubtless 45. But at eight thousand guilders, Rebecca, it doesn't swell!

REBECCA.

But I--I don't like to talk this way, Rafael; it doesn't seem to me quite--quite nice.