LADY OWBRIDGE.

We shall be a happy party at luncheon.  Shall we go, Duchess?  Muriel—­Henry—­[QUEX joins MURIEL.  SOPHY is eyeing MURIEL wistfully. MISS LIMBIRD holds the portiere aside, to allow the visitors to pass out.] Good morning, Miss Fullgarney.

SOPHY.

Good morning, my lady.

DUCHESS.

Miss Fullgarney—­

SOPHY.

Good-bye, your Grace.

[The DUCHESS and LADY OWBRIDGE go out.

FRAYNE.

[Following them with MRS. EDEN.] Good-day, Miss Fullgarney.

SOPHY.

Good-day, sir.

MRS. EDEN.

Morning, Sophy.

SOPHY.

Morning, Mrs. Eden.

[FRAYNE and MRS. EDEN go out.

QUEX.

[Following them with MURIEL.] Good morning, Miss Fullgarney.

SOPHY.

[Blankly.] G—­good morning, my lord. [QUEX and MURIEL go out, followed by MISS LIMBIRD.  SOPHY stands aghast, her bosom heaving.] Oh! oh! oh! [The door-gong sounds. POLLITT appears at the window. SOPHY is wringing her hands.] Oh—!

POLLITT.

[Entering.] My love! what’s the matter?

SOPHY.

She—­she’s left me, without a word!

POLLITT.

She?

SOPHY.

Muriel—­without so much as wishing me good-morning. [With a sob.] Oh! when I’ve done what I can for everybody!

[The portiere is pulled aside and MURIEL returns, unaccompanied, and comes to SOPHY’S side swiftly.

MURIEL.

[To SOPHY.] Forgive me.  You did it for the best. [Kissing her.] I’m sorry—­

SOPHY.

[Throwing her arms round MURIEL’S neck.] Oh! my darling—! [MURIEL runs out. SOPHY goes to POLLITT and drops her head upon his breast, restfully.] Ah! that’s all right.

[The door-gong sounds finally.

THE END.

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