MISS LIMBIRD.

Very well, Miss Fullgarney.

SOPHY.

[Glancing at QUEX and FRAYNE, who are now looking out of the window, with their backs towards her.] If Miss Eden should happen to turn up before I’m free, just mention who I’m engaged with, will you?

MISS MOON.

Yes, Miss Fullgarney.

SOPHY.

That’ll do. [With sudden fierceness.] What are you all staring at? 
Haven’t any of you ever slept in a strange bed?

[The girls retreat hastily, each carrying an article belonging to SOPHY.

QUEX.

[Advancing a step or two.] I am exceedingly sorry to see you looking so fatigued.

SOPHY.

[Faintly.] Didn’t close my eyes the whole night. [She drops the portiere over the entrance, and approaches QUEX.] Well, my lord?

QUEX.

I have ventured to call upon you, Miss Fullgarney, in the hope of ratifying the excellent understanding with which we parted last night.

SOPHY.

[Pointing to FRAYNE.] Well, but—­er—­

QUEX.

Oh—­oh, yes—­[To FRAYNE, who has turned away.] Frayne—­[To SOPHY.] I have taken my old and trusted friend, Sir Chichester Frayne, into my confidence in this regrettable business.

SOPHY.

[Dubiously.] Indeed?

QUEX.

I thought it desirable there should be a third party—­

SOPHY.

P’r’aps you’re right. [Cuttingly.] One needs a third party when one has the honour of meeting your lordship—­[Checking herself.] Excuse me.

QUEX.

[Pleasantly, with a slight bow of acknowledgment.] Before we go further, I may tell you that her Grace has informed me of what passed between you this morning.

SOPHY.

Nothing passed.

QUEX.

Precisely.

SOPHY.

The lady beamed upon me, for all the world as if she was an angel spending a Saturday-to-Monday here below; and I dressed her hair for her just as if I didn’t want to tear it out by the roots.  And then she turned up her eyes and said she hoped every happiness would attend me, and went downstairs to prayers.

QUEX.

Will you allow me to—­to thank you?

SOPHY.

[Frigidly.] You needn’t. [Abruptly.] Oh, by-the-by, the lady gave me a—­a keepsake, she called it. [Endeavouring to extract some bulky object from her pocket.] I mean to burn the thing, once I’ve found out what’s inside it.  But I can’t get it open.  Here it is.

[She exhibits the little box, covered with brocade, which QUEX has returned to the DUCHESS in the previous Act.

QUEX.

[Surprised.] By Jove!

SOPHY.

[Simply.] Eh?

QUEX.