Jill.  Lots of horrible things in the world.

Rolf.  It’s our business to make them fewer, Jill.

Jill. [Fiercely] Don’t be moral.

Rolf. [Hurt] That’s the last thing I want to be.—­I only want to be friendly.

Jill.  Better be real first.

Rolf.  From the big point of view——­

Jill.  There isn’t any.  We’re all out, for our own.  And why not?

Rolf.  By jove, you have got——­

Jill.  Cynical?  Your father’s motto—­“Every man for himself.” 
That’s the winner—­hands down.  Goodbye!

Rolf.  Jill!  Jill!

Jill. [Putting her hands behind her back, hums]—­
          “If auld acquaintance be forgot
           And days of auld lang syne”——­

Rolf.  Don’t!

[With a pained gesture he goes out towards Left, through the
French window.]

[Jill, who has broken off the song, stands with her hands
clenched and her lips quivering.]

[Fellows enters Left.]

Fellows.  Mr. Dawker, Miss, and two gentlemen.

Jill.  Let the three gentlemen in, and me out.

     [She passes him and goes out Left.  And immediately.  Dawker
     and the two strangers come in.]

Fellows.  I’ll inform Mrs. Hillcrist, sir.  The Squire is on his rounds. [He goes out Left.]

     [The three men gather in a discreet knot at the big bureau,
     having glanced at the two doors and the open French window.]

Dawker.  Now this may come into Court, you know.  If there’s a screw loose anywhere, better mention it. [To second strange] You knew her personally?

Second S. What do you think?  I don’t, take girls on trust for that sort of job.  She came to us highly recommended, too; and did her work very well.  It was a double stunt—­to make sure—­wasn’t it, George?

First S. Yes; we paid her for the two visits.

Second S. I should know her in a minute; striking looking girl; had something in her face.  Daresay she’d seen hard times.

First S. We don’t want publicity.

Dawker.  Not Likely.  The threat’ll do it; but the stakes are heavy —­and the man’s a slugger; we must be able to push it home.  If you can both swear to her, it’ll do the trick.

Second S. And about—­I mean, we’re losing time, you know, coming down here.

Dawker. [With a nod at first Stranger] George here knows me.  That’ll be all right.  I’ll guarantee it well worth your while.

Second S. I don’t want to do the girl harm, if she’s married.

Dawker.  No, no; nobody wants to hurt her.  We just want a cinch on this fellow till he squeals.