QUEX.

[Angrily.] What!

SOPHY.

Too many people about for you.

QUEX.

[Stifling his annoyance.] Tsch!  If I had—­[with a wave of the hand] what course would you have taken, pray?

SOPHY.

[With an air of great propriety.] Complained at once to Lady Owbridge.

QUEX.

As it is—­what do you think of doing now?

SOPHY.

About you and her Grace?

QUEX.

[Scowling.] Yes.

SOPHY.

Oh, tell the ladies in the morning, first thing.

QUEX.

[Again putting a check upon himself.] Ha, ha!  Why do you behave in this contemptible way?

SOPHY.

It isn’t contemptible.

QUEX.

Isn’t it?

SOPHY.

Not under the circumstances.

QUEX.

What circumstances?

SOPHY.

[Hotly.] A wicked man like you engaged to a sweet girl like Miss Muriel!

QUEX.

I see. [Politely.] You don’t approve of the engagement?

SOPHY.

Should think not!

QUEX.

Always done your best to poison Miss Eden’s mind against me, I expect?

SOPHY.

Always let her know my opinion of you.  And I was right!

QUEX.

Right?

SOPHY.

This very day, poor thing, she was saying how proud she is of you because you’ve turned over a new leaf for her sake; and I told her what your promises are worth.  Yes, I was right!  And now I can prove it!

[He rises; she hastily places herself on the other side of the chair.

QUEX.

Look here! [Leaning against the table, the chair being between him and
SOPHY.] What will you take to hold your tongue?

SOPHY.

Nothing.

QUEX.

Oh, but wait.  This isn’t a matter of a handful of sovereigns.  I’ll give you a couple of thousand pounds to keep quiet about this.

SOPHY.

No, thank you, my lord.

QUEX.

Four thousand.

SOPHY.

[Shaking her head.] No.

QUEX.

Five.

SOPHY.

No.

QUEX.

How much?

SOPHY.

Not twenty thousand.  I’m extremely comfortably off, my lord, but if I wasn’t I wouldn’t accept a penny of your money.  All I wish is to save Miss Muriel from marrying a—­a gentleman who isn’t fit for her.  And that’s what I intend doing.

[They stand looking at each other for a moment, silently; then he walks away, thoughtfully.

QUEX.

[In an altered tone.] Come here.

SOPHY.

[With an eye on the door.] Certainly not.

QUEX.

As you please.  Miss Fullgarney—­