ed tone._] Chick--you see that hussy?

FRAYNE.

Miss Fullgarney?

QUEX.

I can't make her out. I believe she wants to play some trick on me.

FRAYNE.

Trick?

QUEX.

'Pon my soul, I believe she's prying--spying on me.

FRAYNE.

That nice gal!

QUEX.

Oh, I daresay I'm wrong. But if I found it so, I--I'd wring her neck.

FRAYNE.

[_Wistfully._] It's an alluring neck.

QUEX.

Possibly. But I'd wring it--!

[_They go up the steps together._

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

THE THIRD ACT

_The scene represents two rooms--a bedroom and a boudoir--separated by
an arched opening across which a portiere is hung. The portiere is,
however, drawn aside, and the bedroom, in which is a bed with an
elaborate canopy, is partly revealed. The boudoir is nearest to the
spectator. Above the fireplace, with bare hearth, on the right, is a
broad window running obliquely towards the centre, concealed by heavy
curtains. On the left of the window, facing the audience, is a door
admitting to a long, narrow passage in which a hanging lamp is burning;
and on the left of this door is the arched opening dividing the bedroom
from the boudoir. Another door opens into the boudoir on the opposite
side from a corridor or landing. Beyond this door, against the wall, is
a cabinet, on the top of which is a clock. A chair stands at each end of
this cabinet. On the left of the arched opening--placed obliquely, the
mirror turned from the audience--is a cheval-glass; and on the right is
a sculptured figure or ornamental pillar supporting a lighted lamp.
Before the window stands a large dressing-table. On the table are a pair
of candelabra with lighted candles, a looking-glass, toilet-bottles, and
a hand-mirror. A chair faces the dressing-table. Nearer to the
spectator are a writing-table, with a heap of French novels on it, and
an arm-chair. Opposite stand a circular table, an arm-chair, and a
settee. A silver box containing cigarettes, an ash-tray, a match-stand,
and a lighted spirit-lamp are on this table._

_The rooms are richly furnished and decorated, but in an old-fashioned
and formal manner. Everything is subdued and faded in tone. There are no
pillows upon the chairs, nor on the settee, nor any other signs of ease
and comfort. Keys are in the locks of both the doors._

[_The_ DUCHESS _and_ MRS. EDEN _are seated--the_ DUCHESS _in the
arm-chair,_ MRS. EDEN _upon the settee--smoking cigarettes._ MRS. EDEN
_is wearing a s