Lucas. [Avoiding her gaze.] Yes, dear?

Agnes.  What do you say, then, to asking the Duke to give you back that letter to your brother?

Lucas.  It wouldn’t settle matters, simply destroying that letter. 
Sandford begs me to go round to the Danieli tonight, to—­to—­

Agnes.  To see him? [Lucas nods.] And her? [He shrugs his shoulders.] At what time?  Was any time specified?

Lucas.  Half-past nine.

Agnes.  I—­I haven’t my watch on.

Lucas. [Referring to his watch.] Nine twenty-five.

Agnes.  You can almost manage it—­if you’d like to go.

Lucas.  Oh, let them wait a few minutes for me; that won’t hurt them.

Agnes. [Dazed.] Let me see—­I did fetch your hat and coat—­[She rises and walks mechanically, stumbling against a chair.  Lucas looks up, alarmed; st. Olpherts rises.]

Agnes. [Replacing the chair.] It’s all right; I didn’t notice this. [Bringing Lucas’s hat and coat, and assisting him with the latter.] How long will you be?

Lucas.  Not more than half an hour.  An hour at the outside.

Agnes. [Arranging his neck handkerchief.] Keep this so.

Lucas.  Er—­if—­if I—­if we—­

Agnes.  The Duke is waiting. [Lucas turns away, and joins st. Olpherts.]

Lucas. [To him, in a low voice.] I am going back to the hotel with you.

St. Olpherts.  Oh, are you? [The door opens and fortune enters, followed by Amos Winterfield.  Fortune retires.]

Amos. [To Lucas, sternly.] Is my sister still here, may I ask? [Lucas looks to Agnes interrogatively.  She inclines her head.]

Amos.  I should like her to know that I am waiting for her. [Agnes goes out.]

Lucas. [To Amos.] Pray excuse me.

[Amos draws back.  St. Olpherts passes out.  At the door, Lucas pauses, and bows slightly to Amos, who returns his bow in the same fashion; then Lucas follows st. Olpherts.  Gertrude enters, wearing her hat and mantle.  Agnes follows; her movements are unsteady, and there is a wild look in her eyes.]

Gertrude.  You’ve come to fetch me, Amos? [He assents by a nod.]

Amos. [To Agnes.] I’m sorry to learn from Dr. Kirke that you’ve been ill.  I hope you’re better.

Agnes. [Turning away, Gertrude watching her.] Thank you, I am quite well.

Amos. [Gruffly.] Are you ready, Gertrude?

Gertrude.  No, dear, not yet.  I want you to help me.

Amos.  In what way?

Gertrude.  I want you to join me in persuading Mrs. Ebbsmith—­my friend, Mrs. Ebbsmith—­to come to Ketherick with me.