[The maid, who is standing between sofa and door, smiles. 
     Chloe, with a swift look, catches the smile.]

Why do you smile?

Anna.  Was I, ma’am?

Chloe.  You know you were. [Fiercely] Are you paid to smile at me?

Anna. [Immovable] No, ma’am, Would you like some eau de Cologne on your forehead?

Chloe.  Yes.—­No.—­What’s the good? [Clasping her forehead] My headache won’t go.

Anna.  To keep lying down’s the best thing for it.

Chloe.  I have been—­hours.

Anna. [With the smile] Yes, ma’am.

Chloe. [Gathering herself up on the sofa] Anna!  Why do you do it?

Anna.  Do what, ma’am?

Chloe.  Spy on me.

Anna.  I—­never!  I——!

Chloe.  To spy!  You’re a fool, too.  What is there to spy on?

Anna.  Nothing, ma’am.  Of course, if you’re not satisfied with me, I must give notice.  Only—­if I were spying, I should expect to have notice given me.  I’ve been accustomed to ladies who wouldn’t stand such a thing for a minute.

Chloe:  [Intently] Well, you’ll take a month’s wages and go tomorrow.  And that’s all, now.

     [Anna inclines her head and goes out.]

     [Chloe, with a sort of moan, turns over and buries her face in
     the cushion.]

Chloe. [Sitting up] If I could see that man—­if only—­or Dawker—–­

     [She springs up and goes to the door, but hesitates, and comes
     back to the head of the sofa, as Rolf comes in.  During this
     scene the door is again opened stealthily, an inch or too.]

Rolf.  How’s the head?

Chloe.  Beastly, thanks.  I’m not going into dinner.

Rolf.  Is there anything I can do for you?

Chloe.  No, dear boy. [Suddenly looking at him] You don’t want this quarrel with the Hillcrists to go on, do you, Rolf?

Rolf.  No; I hate it.

Chloe.  Well, I think I might be able to stop it.  Will you slip round to Dawker’s—­it’s not five minutes—­and ask him to come and see me.

Rolf.  Father and Charlie wouldn’t——­

Chloe.  I know.  But if he comes to the window here while you’re at dinner, I’ll let him in, and out, and nobody’d know.

Rolf. [Astonished] Yes, but what I mean how——­

Chloe.  Don’t ask me.  It’s worth the shot that’s all. [Looking at her wrist-watch] To this window at eight o’clock exactly.  First long window on the terrace, tell him.

Rolf.  It’s nothing Charlie would mind?

Chloe.  No; only I can’t tell him—­he and father are so mad about it all.

Rolf.  If there’s a real chance——­