Alois & Catherine B / houses.fedatamine.com

Alois, Catherine enter the scene

Alois

You know, Catherine, you really saved my hide. If not for you, I would have bought that phony coin!

Alois

So, I just wanted to say: money thanks! Really, I coin't begin to express my gratitude!

Catherine

There's no need to thank me, Alois. It was nothing.

Catherine

But I am a little worried about you.

Catherine

You just immediately believed what he was saying. You're way too trusting.

Catherine

I wish you'd be a little more skeptical about people, that's all.

Alois

Hm... Yes, you make a good point. I'll try to be more cautious from now on.

Traveler enters the scene

Traveler

Um, excuse me, sir. I'm terribly sorry to interrupt...

Alois

Good day, ma'am. Do you need something?

Traveler

I'm afraid so. You see, I'm a humble traveler, and a pickpocket stole all my money.

Traveler

I don't have enough to get home, and I have nowhere to sleep tonight.

Traveler

Please, sir, spare a little money to help me?

Alois

I'm so sorry about your troubles. I don't have much on me, but here...

Catherine

Alois, no! Not so fast.

Catherine

You there, traveler. Tell me your name.

Catherine

I'd like to take an official statement from you so that we can investigate this theft.

Catherine

Once we ascertain exactly what happened, then we will lend you some money. How does that sound?

Traveler
...

Traveler leaves the scene

Catherine

And she's gone.

Alois

Wh-what? You don't mean she was trying to...

Catherine

Yes, she was. That's a common trick for cheats to pull. They pluck at your heartstrings so that you'll give them your money.

Catherine

You just said you'd be more careful too! You really are an easy mark, Alois.

Alois

How embarrassing.

Catherine

Why are you so quick to trust people?

Alois

I've always believed that to earn others' trust, you have to be trusting.

Catherine

You're taking that philosophy a bit too far...