Lady Cheshire.  And the young horse?

Keith.  Carries his ears in your mouth a bit, that’s all. [Putting his hand on her shoulder] Cheer up, Mem-Sahib!

Christine.  Mother, must anything be said to father?  Ronny thinks it all depends on her.  Can’t you use your influence? [Lady Cheshire shakes her head.]

Christine.  But, mother, it’s desperate.

Dot.  Shut up, Chris!  Of course mother can’t.  We simply couldn’t beg her to let us off!

Christine.  There must be some way.  What do you think in your heart, mother?

Dot.  Leave mother alone!

Christine.  It must be faced, now or never.

Dot. [In a low voice] Haven’t you any self-respect?

Christine.  We shall be the laughing-stock of the whole county.  Oh! mother do speak to her!  You know it’ll be misery for both of them. [Lady Cheshire bows her head] Well, then? [Lady Cheshire shakes her head.]

Christine.  Not even for Bill’s sake?

Dot.  Chris!

Christine.  Well, for heaven’s sake, speak to Bill again, mother!  We ought all to go on our knees to him.

Lady Cheshire.  He’s with your father now.

Harold.  Poor old Bill!

Christine. [Passionately] He didn’t think of us!  That wretched girl!

Lady Cheshire.  Chris!

Christine.  There are limits!

Lady Cheshire.  Not to self-control.

Christine.  No, mother!  I can’t I never shall—­Something must be done!  You know what Bill is.  He rushes at things so, when he gets his head down.  Oh! do try!  It’s only fair to her, and all of us!

Lady Cheshire. [Painfully] There are things one can’t do.

Christine.  But it’s Bill!  I know you can make her give him up, if you’ll only say all you can.  And, after all, what’s coming won’t affect her as if she’d been a lady.  Only you can do it, mother:  Do back me up, all of you!  It’s the only way!

Hypnotised by their private longing for what Christine has been urging they have all fixed their eyes on lady Cheshire, who looks from, face to face, and moves her hands as if in physical pain.

Christine. [Softly] Mother!

Lady Cheshire suddenly rises, looking towards the billiard-room door, listening.  They all follow her eyes.  She sits down again, passing her hand over her lips, as sir William enters.  His hunting clothes are splashed; his face very grim and set.  He walks to the fore without a glance at any one, and stands looking down into it.  Very quietly, every one but lady Cheshire steals away.

Lady Cheshire.  What have you done?