'I can't.

Will you take the money--down, mind; no delay, no going into the city and pretending to negotiate with some other party who has no existence, and never had.

Is it a bargain, or is it not ?' Ralph pushed some papers from him as he spoke, and carelessly rattled his cash-box, as though by mere accident.

The sound was too much for Mr Mantalini.

He closed the bargain directly it reached his ears, and Ralph told the money out upon the table.
He had scarcely done so, and Mr Mantalini had not yet gathered it all up, when a ring was heard at the bell, and immediately afterwards Newman ushered in no less a person than Madame Mantalini, at sight of whom Mr Mantalini evinced considerable discomposure, and swept the cash into his pocket with remarkable alacrity.
'Oh, you ARE here,' said Madame Mantalini, tossing her head.
'Yes, my life and soul, I am,' replied her husband, dropping on his knees, and pouncing with kitten-like playfulness upon a stray sovereign.
'I am here, my soul's delight, upon Tom Tiddler's ground, picking up the demnition gold and silver.' 'I am ashamed of you,' said Madame Mantalini, with much indignation.
'Ashamed--of ME, my joy?
It knows it is talking demd charming sweetness, but naughty fibs,' returned Mr Mantalini.