two or three months ago. She's not the woman she was at the
commencement of the season.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

You alarm me. In what way?

DOWAGER.

Every way. Her appearance.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

I haven't noticed it.

DOWAGER.

Being her husband, it is natural you should not. Her variable
temperament! At one moment she looks as if she would like to bury
everybody, me especially; the next she is laughing in a manner I must
designate as positively provincial.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Dora, you quite distress me.

DOWAGER.

I came early for that purpose.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Thank you.

DOWAGER.

Perhaps you resent my interference.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

No, no.

DOWAGER.

It would not deter me if you did. The grand motive of my life is a firm,
undeviating, persistent policy of practical interference. I am a social
warrior; the moment I scent domestic carnage I hurl myself into the
_melee_ and plant my flag. Julian, my flag is planted in your household.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

But I am aware of nothing disquieting to Katherine's peace of mind.

DOWAGER.

Don't tell me!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Two or three months ago there _was_ a little difficulty----

DOWAGER.

Ah!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

But it was mine, not Katherine's.

DOWAGER.

Yours?

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Frankly, I was embarrassed for ready money.

DOWAGER.

Oh, dear!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

But Katherine, who is really of an extremely thrifty nature, promptly
placed her very considerable savings at my disposal, and the difficulty
ceased.

DOWAGER.

It never struck me your wife was thrifty.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Nor me till that moment. Which shows how liable the most careful
observer is to error. [Resuming the study of his speech.] Pray excuse
me.

DOWAGER.

[To herself.] Um! [She goes up to the window.]

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

[Studying.] "I can conceive no position more agreeable to a Minister of
the Crown----" I'll go upstairs, quietly. "----than that which I occupy
upon this occasion."

[He moves softly toward the door. The DOWAGER turns suddenly.]

DOWAGER.

Julian!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Dora?

DOWAGER.

I don't like your wife's great friendship for Mrs. Gaylustre.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Katherine finds her a bright companion.

DOWAGER.

Katherine has _my_ companionship. It's true I can't cut a sleeve like
that lady.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

It is to be regretted th