Maggie.  That’s the Scotch way.  When were you thinking of leaving me,
John?

[Perhaps this is the Scotch way also; but Sybil is English, and from the manner in which she starts you would say that something has fallen on her toes.]

John [who has heard nothing fall].  I think, now that it has come to a breach, the sooner the better. [His tone becomes that of James when asked after the health of his wife.] When it is convenient to you, Maggie.

Maggie [making a rapid calculation].  It couldn’t well be before Wednesday.  That’s the day the laundry comes home.

[Sybil has to draw in her toes again.]

John.  And it’s the day the House rises. [Stifling a groan] It may be my last appearance in the House.

Sybil [her arms yearning for him].  No, no, please don’t say that.

Maggie [surveying him sympathetically].  You love the House, don’t you, John, next to her?  It’s a pity you can’t wait till after your speech at Leeds.  Mr. Venables won’t let you speak at Leeds, I fear, if you leave me.

John.  What a chance it would have been.  But let it go.

Maggie.  The meeting is in less than a month.  Could you not make it such a speech that they would be very loth to lose you?

John [swelling].  That’s what was in my mind.

Sybil [with noble confidence].  And he could have done it.

Maggie.  Then we’ve come to something practical.

John [exercising his imagination with powerful effect].  No, it wouldn’t be fair to you if I was to stay on now.

Maggie.  Do you think I’ll let myself be considered when your career is at stake.  A month will soon pass for me; I’ll have a lot of packing to do.

John.  It’s noble of you, but I don’t deserve it, and I can’t take it from you.

Maggie.  Now’s the time, Lady Sybil, for you to have one of your inspiring ideas.

Sybil [ever ready].  Yes, yes—­but what?

[It is odd that they should both turn to Maggie at this moment.]

Maggie [who has already been saying it to herself].  What do you think of this:  I can stay on here with my father and brothers; and you, John, can go away somewhere and devote yourself to your speech?

Sybil.  Yes.

John.  That might be. [Considerately] Away from both of you.  Where could I go?

Sybil [ever ready].  Where?

Maggie.  I know.

[She has called up a number on the telephone before they have time to check her.]

John [on his dignity].  Don’t be in such a hurry, Maggie.

Maggie.  Is this Lamb’s Hotel?  Put me on to the Comtesse de la Briere, please.

Sybil [with a sinking].  What do you want with Auntie?