Oh, don't say that!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Mason's letter decides me.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

To do what!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Yield to a sentiment which I have reason to believe exists on both sides of the House----

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Resign?

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Resign my place in the Ministry--ask for the Chiltern Hundreds----

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Oh!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Wind up my affairs in town----

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Oh, no!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

And seek peace in rural retirement.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

You shan't, pa! Oh, my gracious, you wouldn't be so heartless!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Heartless!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

[Kneeling beside him.] Think of my blessed chicks--my babies. Don't go under, Julian, till we've given them the benefit of our magnificent position----

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Our mag----

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Wait till my Brooky--our Brooky--has won some handsome, wealthy girl who is worthy of him. Hold on till Imogen has made a marriage that will make every true mother's mouth water. Then I'll settle down with you alone, in a marsh. But don't sink into obscurity till the end of the year! I can do wonders by Christmas! Give me till then, pa--give me till then!

[She throws her arms round his neck. IMOGEN's harp is heard again. MRS.

GAYl.u.s.tRE enters.]

MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.

The wretches! how they ignore me! [Seeing SIR JULIAN and LADY TWOMBLEY.]

Ah!

[Hiding herself behind a pillar she listens.]

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

But--but--but if I desperately cling to public life a little longer I must have money.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Of course--of course you must have money. But, Julian, you must look to me for that.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

You, Katherine!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

You must think only of your value to the country, and--leave the rest to your wife.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Kitty, you have made some little private h.o.a.rd out of your allowance!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

[Sinking faintly onto the settee.] Well, pa.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

How prudent! How thoughtful!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Go--go to Dora. Make my excuses. I'll follow you when I've pulled myself together.