[_He sits, his head bowed._

DUCHESS.

[_Looking up._] To think--to think that I allowed this plausible
creature to thrust herself upon me! [_He raises his head, glaring
fiercely. She beats the pillow._] Oh! oh! my reputation in the hands of
this low creature!

QUEX.

Ah--! [_With a half-smothered cry he goes to the door and pulls it open.
The_ DUCHESS _runs after him and seizes his arm_.] I said I'd wring her
damned neck--I told Frayne so.

DUCHESS.

[_Pushing him away from the door._] Don't! don't! violence will not help
us. [_She closes the door; he stands clutching the chair by the
writing-table. The clock strikes twelve._] Midnight. [_Leaning upon a
chair._] At any rate, you had better go now.

QUEX.

[_Turning to her._] I beg your pardon; I regret having lost control of
myself.

DUCHESS.

[_Miserably._] It has been a wretchedly disappointing meeting.

QUEX.

[_Heavily._] Let us see each other in the morning. [_She nods._] Be
walking in the grounds by nine.

DUCHESS.

Yes. [_Rallying._] After all, Harry, there may be nothing behind this
woman's behaviour. It may have been only the vulgarest curiosity on her
part.

QUEX.

[_Incredulously._] Ha! However, in that case--

DUCHESS.

Money.

QUEX.

Money.

DUCHESS.

I ought to sound her directly she presents herself at my bedside, ought
I not?

QUEX.

Earlier--before she has had time to get about the house. Stand at
nothing. If she's to be bought, she shall have whatever she demands--any
sum!

DUCHESS.

How liberal of you!

[QUEX _walks towards the door, then turns to her._

QUEX.

One thing I hope I need hardly say, Duchess?

DUCHESS.

What--?

QUEX.

[_With dignity._] Worst come to the worst, I shall defend you by every
means in my power. _I'm_ done, I feel sure; [_drawing himself up_] but,
of course, I shall lie for you like the devil.

DUCHESS.

[_Plaintively._] Thanks. And I have dragged you into it all.

QUEX.

Tsch! [_Bowing stiffly._] Good-night.

DUCHESS.

Good-night. [_She goes to the table and prepares to remove the tray.
Having turned the key of the door,_ QUEX _pauses. She says fretfully._]
Oh, why don't you go, Harry?

QUEX.

[_Facing her sharply, a new light in his eyes._] No! _you_ go.

DUCHESS.

[_In astonishment._] I!

QUEX.

[_Returning to her excitedly._] I tell you I can't wait through a night
of suspense! Quick! [_Facing the room._] Leave me to deal with her here,
at once.