X.

[_Angrily._] What!

SOPHY.

Too many people about for you.

QUEX.

[_Stifling his annoyance._] Tsch! If I had--[_with a wave of the hand_]
what course would you have taken, pray?

SOPHY.

[_With an air of great propriety._] Complained at once to Lady Owbridge.

QUEX.

As it is--what do you think of doing now?

SOPHY.

About you and her Grace?

QUEX.

[_Scowling._] Yes.

SOPHY.

Oh, tell the ladies in the morning, first thing.

QUEX.

[_Again putting a check upon himself._] Ha, ha! Why do you behave in
this contemptible way?

SOPHY.

It isn't contemptible.

QUEX.

Isn't it?

SOPHY.

Not under the circumstances.

QUEX.

What circumstances?

SOPHY.

[_Hotly._] A wicked man like you engaged to a sweet girl like Miss
Muriel!

QUEX.

I see. [_Politely._] You don't approve of the engagement?

SOPHY.

Should think not!

QUEX.

Always done your best to poison Miss Eden's mind against me, I expect?

SOPHY.

Always let her know my opinion of you. And I was right!

QUEX.

Right?

SOPHY.

This very day, poor thing, she was saying how proud she is of you
because you've turned over a new leaf for her sake; and I told her what
_your_ promises are worth. Yes, I was right! And now I can prove it!

[_He rises; she hastily places herself on the other side of the chair._

QUEX.

Look here! [_Leaning against the table, the chair being between him and_
SOPHY.] What will you take to hold your tongue?

SOPHY.

Nothing.

QUEX.

Oh, but wait. This isn't a matter of a handful of sovereigns. I'll give
you a couple of thousand pounds to keep quiet about this.

SOPHY.

No, thank you, my lord.

QUEX.

Four thousand.

SOPHY.

[_Shaking her head._] No.

QUEX.

Five.

SOPHY.

No.

QUEX.

How much?

SOPHY.

Not twenty thousand. I'm extremely comfortably off, my lord, but if I
wasn't I wouldn't accept a penny of your money. All I wish is to save
Miss Muriel from marrying a--a gentleman who isn't fit for her. And
that's what I intend doing.

[_They stand looking at each other for a moment, silently; then he walks
away, thoughtfully._

QUEX.

[_In an altered tone._] Come here.

SOPHY.

[_With an eye on the door._] Certainly not.

QUEX.

As you please. Miss Fullgarney--

SOPHY.

I hear you.

QUEX.

I should like to settle this business with you pleasantly--if possible.
Allow me to say this. I don't think I am quite such an atrocious person