e is much shaking of hands, all of which is sincere.)

TREHERNE. When will it be, Gov.?

CRICHTON (after turning to LADY MARY, who whispers to him). As soon as
the bridal skirt can be prepared. (His manner has been most indulgent,
and without the slightest suggestion of patronage. But he knows it
is best for all that he should keep his place, and that his presence
hampers them.) My friends, I thank you for your good wishes, I thank you
all. And now, perhaps you would like me to leave you to yourselves. Be
joyous. Let there be song and dance to-night. Polly, I shall take my
coffee in the parlour--you understand.

(He retires with pleasant dignity. Immediately there is a rush of two
girls at LADY MARY.)

LADY MARY. Oh, oh! Father, they are pinching me.

LORD LOAM (taking her under his protection). Agatha, Catherine, never
presume to pinch your sister again. On the other hand, she may pinch you
henceforth as much as ever she chooses.

(In the meantime TWEENY is weeping softly, and the two are not above
using her as a weapon.)

CATHERINE. Poor Tweeny, it's a shame.

AGATHA. After he had almost promised you.

TWEENY (loyally turning on them). No, he never did. He was always
honourable as could be. 'Twas me as was too vulgar. Don't you dare say a
word agin that man.

ERNEST (to LORD LOAM). You'll get a lot of tit-bits out of this, Daddy.

LORD LOAM. That's what I was thinking.

ERNEST (plunged in thought). I dare say I shall have to clean out the
dam now.

LORD LOAM (heartlessly). I dare say. (His gay old heart makes him again
proclaim that he is a chickety chick. He seizes the concertina.)

TREHERNE (eagerly). That's the proper spirit. (He puts his arm round
CATHERINE, and in another moment they are all dancing to Daddy's music.
Never were people happier on an island. A moment's pause is presently
created by the return of CRICHTON, wearing the wonderful robe of which
we have already had dark mention. Never has he looked more regal, never
perhaps felt so regal. We need not grudge him the one foible of his
rule, for it is all coming to an end.)

CRICHTON (graciously, seeing them hesitate). No, no; I am delighted to
see you all so happy. Go on.

TREHERNE. We don't like to before you, Gov.

CRICHTON (his last order). It is my wish.

(The merrymaking is resumed, and soon CRICHTON himself joins in the
dance. It is when the fun is at its fastest and most furious that all
stop abruptly as if turned to stone. T