SOPHY.

Oh, I said I’d do what I can for you. [Uncomfortably.] And this is all
I can do.

QUEX.

[Light-heartedly.] All!

SOPHY.

Just to give you a chance.

QUEX.

Chance! [Drawing a deep breath.] You place my happiness beyond danger.

SOPHY.

[Impulsively, offering him her hand.] I wish you luck, my lord.

[He takes her hand and wrings it.

FRAYNE.

[Who has opened the window for air.] Hallo!

SOPHY.

[Turning nervously.] What—?

FRAYNE.

[Looking out.] Isn’t this your friend, Captain Bastling?

QUEX.

Bastling?

FRAYNE.

At that window?

[FRAYNE moves away to the circular table and sniffs at a bottle of scent. QUEX goes to the window.

QUEX.

[Looking out.] Yes.  What’s old Napier up to there?

SOPHY.

[Guiltily.] I—­I heard Captain Bastling mention that he was thinking of having his hand read by Mr. Valma some time or other.

QUEX.

No! ha, ha, ha! [Leaving the window.] He doesn’t see me; I won’t disturb him. [To SOPHY, jocularly.] A convenient arrangement—­it is possible to transfer oneself from the manicurist to the palmist without the trouble of putting on one’s gloves.

SOPHY.

Ha, ha! y—­yes.

QUEX.

[Pausing on his way to the entrance.] Miss Fullgarney, may I ask if you and Mr. Valma have fixed upon the date of your marriage?

SOPHY.

Oh, we sha’n’t get married yet awhile—­not for a year or more, I fancy.

QUEX.

[Graciously.] In that case, I shall hope to have the pleasure, and the privilege, of being present at your wedding—­with my wife.

SOPHY.

[Hanging her head.] Thank you.

QUEX.

Chick—­

[He goes out.

FRAYNE.

[Turning to SOPHY with dignity.] Miss Fullgarney, one thing I desire to say.  It is that your behaviour this morning completely obliterates—­the—­

[He is cut short by another hiccup and, with a bow, withdraws. POLLITT appears at the window. SOPHY goes to the entrance, and watches the departure of QUEX and FRAYNE.  POLLITT enters the room.  The door-gong sounds.

POLLITT.

Sophy.

SOPHY.

[Turning.] Oh!  Valma, dear?

POLLITT.

[With a heavy brow.] Captain Bastling is waiting at my place, for Miss Eden.

SOPHY.

[Subdued.] Is he?

POLLITT.

Dearest, during my brief but, I pride myself, honourable association with palmistry, this is the first time my rooms have been used for this sort of game.