The Unforseen Return | Page 8

(Low) and our safety.
Richly: And how is my son? Has he taken good care of the business? Is
it profitable under his management?
Roger: Oh, as to that, why I tell you, he has done so well--you wouldn't
believe how he's into money. Your business is in a state that would
astonish you--my word on it.
Richly: You really make me happy, Roger, to give me such fine news.
He's stored up a big pile of money, eh?
Roger: Not at all, sir.
Richly: Not at all? How's that!
Roger: No, I tell you this boy is the best manager you could wish. He
follows your footsteps. He drives your money like a race horse. If he
can make a buck he will work day and night.
Richly: That comes from setting kids a good example. I'm dying with
impatience to hug him. Come along, Roger.
Roger: He's not inside, sir, and if you are in a hurry to see him, I
suggest--
(Enter Mr. Andre)
Andre: Good day, Roger--
Roger: Your servant, Mr. Andre, your servant.
(Low) Here's a villainous loan shark who picks a fine time to come
demand his money.
Andre: You know, Mr. Roger, I've been here everyday lately without
finding your master. If he cannot pay me today, tomorrow I will swear
out a warrant against him and you know it very well.
Roger: (aside) This will ruin us.

Richly: What's this all about?
Roger: I will explain everything to you when we are alone. Nothing to
be concerned about!
Andre: A mere business of one hundred pounds owed to me for which I
have a receipt and a judgement which I intend to put into execution.
Richly: What's he talking about, Roger?
Roger: He's a fiend who will do just what he says.
Richly: Edward owes you--?
Andre: Yes, indeed, Mr. Edward Richly, a child whose father is off
somewhere and who will be pleasantly surprised on his return when he
learns of the life his son has led in his absence.
Roger: This doesn't look too good.
Andre: The son is a gambler, a spendthrift, and a wencher, while they
say the father is a villain, a miser, and a tightass.
Richly: What do you intend to say to this miser and tightass?
Andre: I don't want to talk to you, I want to speak to the father of Mr.
Edward Richly who is in two words an imbecile and a fool.
Richly: Roger--
Roger: He's telling you the truth, sir. Mr. Edward does owe him--
Richly: And you told me of his exemplary conduct.
Roger: Yes, sir. It's a result of his careful management that he owes this
money.
Richly: What--borrow money from a loan shark.
(To Mr. Andre) I see by looking at you, sir, that you're in the right line.
Andre: Yes, sir, and I believe that you are also in the same profession.
Roger: (aside) How easily honest men recognize each other.
Richly: You dare to say this is the result of his superior management!
Roger: Peace! Don't say a word. When you know the bottom of this
thing you will be enchanted. He has bought a house--a mansion for ten
thousand pounds--
Richly: A house for ten thousand?
Roger: And easily worth fifteen. He didn't have enough cash, so in
order not to lose the bargain, he borrowed money from this honest
swindler you see here. You are not so angry as you were, I bet.
Richly: On the contrary, I'm overjoyed. Oh, sir, this Mr. Edward who
owes you the money is my son.
Roger: And this gentleman is the father--got it?

Andre: I've overjoyed as well.
Richly: Don't worry about your money. I approve what my son has
done. Come back tomorrow and you will have your money--in cash.
Andre: I'm your servant, sir.
(Exit Mr. Andre, delighted)
Richly: Now tell me in what part of town is the house located?
Roger: In what part of town?
Richly: Yes, there are several neighborhoods. This one here for
example.
Roger: Well, indeed, it's also located in this quarter.
Richly: Good--so much the better. Where exactly?
Roger: Hold on--(pointing) Do you see that house with an arbor where
the windows have been repainted?
Richly: Yes, well--?
Roger: That's not it. But a little farther off. The one with the big
gatehouse which is right next to the other one. Well, it's a little behind
that on the next street. Cattycornered to it.
Richly: I don't see that one from here.
Roger: I can't help that.
Richly: Isn't that the home of Mrs. Prim?
Roger: Right. Mrs. Prim. Couldn't remember her name. Good buy, isn't
it?
Richly: Absolutely. But why did the stupid woman sell off her
inheritance?
Roger: One can't foresee everything that will happen in life as the