Maggie.  I’ve told her that.

Comtesse.  But she will not give him up?

Maggie.  No.

Sybil.  Why should she if he cares for her?  What is her name?

Maggie.  It’s—­Maggie.

Comtesse [still uninterested].  Well, I am afraid that Maggie is to do for John. [John comes down.] Ah, our hero!

John.  Sorry I have kept you waiting.  The Comtesse?

Comtesse.  And my niece Lady Sybil Tenterden. [SYBIL’S head inclines on its stem.] She is not really all my niece; I mean I am only half of her aunt.  What a triumph, Mr. Shand!

John.  Oh, pretty fair, pretty fair.  Your brother has just finished addressing the crowd, Lady Sybil.

Sybil.  Then we must not detain Mr. Shand, Auntie.

Comtesse [who unless her heart is touched thinks insincerity charming].  Only one word.  I heard you speak last night.  Sublime!  Just the sort of impassioned eloquence that your House of Commons loves.

John.  It’s very good of you to say so.

Comtesse.  But we must run.  Bon soir.

[Sybil bows as to some one far away.]

John.  Good-night, Lady Sybil.  I hear you think I’m vulgar. [Eyebrows are raised.]

Comtesse.  My dear Mr. Shand, what absurd—–­

John.  I was told she said that after hearing me speak.

Comtesse.  Quite a mistake, I—–­

John [doggedly].  Is it not true?

Sybil [’waking up’].  You seem to know, Mr. Shand; and as you press me so unnecessarily—­well, yes, that is how you struck me.

Comtesse.  My child!

Sybil [who is a little agitated].  He would have it.

John [perplexed].  What’s the matter?  I just wanted to know, because if it’s true I must alter it.

Comtesse.  There, Sybil, see how he values your good opinion.

Sybil [her svelte figure giving like a fishing-rod].  It is very nice of you to put it in that way, Mr. Shand.  Forgive me.

John.  But I don’t quite understand yet.  Of course, it can’t matter to me, Lady Sybil, what you think of me; what I mean is, that I mustn’t be vulgar if it would be injurious to my career.

[The fishing-rod regains its rigidity.]

Sybil.  I see.  No, of course, I could not affect your career, Mr
Shand.

John [who quite understands that he is being challenged].  That’s so,
Lady Sybil, meaning no offence.

Sybil [who has a naughty little impediment in her voice when she is most alluring].  Of course not.  And we are friends again?

John.  Certainly.

Sybil.  Then I hope you will come to see me in London as I present no terrors.

John [he is a man, is John].  I’ll be very pleased.