(LADY PEMBURY stands watching him as he goes.  She waits after he has gone, thinking her own thoughts, out of which she comes with something of a shock as the door opens and SIR JOHN comes in.)

PEMBURY.  Hallo!  Has he gone?

LADY PEMBURY.  Yes.

PEMBURY.  What did he want?  Five pounds—­or a place in the Cabinet?

LADY PEMBURY.  He came for—­a subscription.

PEMBURY.  And got it, if I know my Kate. (Carelessly) What did he take from you?

LADY PEMBURY (with a wistful little sigh).  Yes; he took something from me.  Not very much, I think.  But just—­something. (She takes his arm, leads him to the sofa, and says affectionately) And now tell me all that you’ve been doing this morning.

(So he begins to tell her—­just as he has told her a thousand times before. . . .  But it isn’t quite the same)

Printed in Great Britain by R. & R. CLARK, LIMITED, Edinburgh.