DUCHESS.

My reputation!

QUEX.

Of course, I deserve it.  But—­

[He sits, his head bowed.

DUCHESS.

[Looking up.] To think—­to think that I allowed this plausible creature to thrust herself upon me! [He raises his head, glaring fiercely.  She beats the pillow.] Oh! oh! my reputation in the hands of this low creature!

QUEX.

Ah—! [With a half-smothered cry he goes to the door and pulls it open.  The DUCHESS runs after him and seizes his arm.] I said I’d wring her damned neck—­I told Frayne so.

DUCHESS.

[Pushing him away from the door.] Don’t! don’t! violence will not help us. [She closes the door; he stands clutching the chair by the writing-table.  The clock strikes twelve.] Midnight. [Leaning upon a chair.] At any rate, you had better go now.

QUEX.

[Turning to her.] I beg your pardon; I regret having lost control of myself.

DUCHESS.

[Miserably.] It has been a wretchedly disappointing meeting.

QUEX.

[Heavily.] Let us see each other in the morning. [She nods.] Be walking in the grounds by nine.

DUCHESS.

Yes. [Rallying.] After all, Harry, there may be nothing behind this woman’s behaviour.  It may have been only the vulgarest curiosity on her part.

QUEX.

[Incredulously.] Ha!  However, in that case—­

DUCHESS.

Money.

QUEX.

Money.

DUCHESS.

I ought to sound her directly she presents herself at my bedside, ought
I not?

QUEX.

Earlier—­before she has had time to get about the house.  Stand at nothing.  If she’s to be bought, she shall have whatever she demands—­any sum!

DUCHESS.

How liberal of you!

[QUEX walks towards the door, then turns to her.

QUEX.

One thing I hope I need hardly say, Duchess?

DUCHESS.

What—?

QUEX.

[With dignity.] Worst come to the worst, I shall defend you by every means in my power. I’m done, I feel sure; [drawing himself up] but, of course, I shall lie for you like the devil.

DUCHESS.

[Plaintively.] Thanks.  And I have dragged you into it all.

QUEX.

Tsch! [Bowing stiffly.] Good-night.

DUCHESS.

Good-night. [She goes to the table and prepares to remove the tray. 
Having turned the key of the door, QUEX pauses.  She says fretfully.]
Oh, why don’t you go, Harry?

QUEX.

[Facing her sharply, a new light in his eyes.] No! you go.

DUCHESS.

[In astonishment.] I!

QUEX.

[Returning to her excitedly.] I tell you I can’t wait through a night of suspense!  Quick! [Facing the room.] Leave me to deal with her here, at once.