HERMAN. Why, that the whole of this aunt's fortune, and she is
immensely rich, must of necessity, at the old lady's
death, become the inheritance of the little Lowena.
DERRIC. And in what way can that affect us?
HERMAN. You shall hear. I have already caused a contract to be
prepared, and to which you must obtain Rip Van Winkle's
signature.
DERRIC. What is that contract?
HERMAN. You shall read it presently. Van Winkle is an easy soul, and
at present, I believe, your debtor.
DERRIC. Yes, considerably in arrears with the rent of the tenement,
which he holds from me.
HERMAN. Obtain his signature to the contract I am about to give you,
and 'twill be a security on which money may be raised to
any amount.
DERRIC. You amaze me, I--
HERMAN. You must have cash, father, to relieve you from your
unpleasant difficulties, and I, for those delights of
youth without which there is no advantage in being
young. [_Exeunt._]

SCENE III.

RIP'S _Cottage.--Door.--Window in flat.--A closet in flat, with dishes,
shelves, &c.--Clothes-basket, with clothes.--Table, chairs, arm-chair, with
cloak over it.--Broom on stage._

KNICKERBOCKER _enters cautiously._

KNICKERBOCKER.

Zooks! I'm venturing into a tiger's den in quest of a lamb. All's clear,
however; and, could I but pop on little Alice, how we would bill and
coo. She comes! lie still, my fluttering heart.

_Enter_ ALICE.(47)

ALICE.

[_Without observing_ KNICKERBOCKER.] There, there, go to sleep. Ah!
Knickerbocker, how I love you, [spite of all the strange ways that you
pursue.](48)

KNICKERBOCKER.

[_Aside._] Sensible, susceptible soul! [But merit ever meets its
recompense.](49)

ALICE.

No wonder I am fascinated; [his figure is so elegant, and then his
education! I never see him, but I am ready to jump into his loving arms.
[_Turning, she is caught in the embrace of_ KNICKERBOCKER.](50)

KNICKERBOCKER.

This is too much for human nature to support; [this declaration is a
banquet that gods might prize.(51)] Beauteous angel! hear me, whilst I
proclaim--

[_Kneeling._

DAME.

[_Without._] Go along, you drunken brute.

KNICKERBOCKER.