SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Yes, yes. [Turning.] By the way, Kitty, Hopwoods have just sent in their bill for erecting this conservatory.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

[Clinging to the back of the chair.] Oh!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

You remember I transferred, at your request, seven thousand some odd pounds to your account at Scott's when we projected the--h'm!--pardonable little extravagance?

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Y--yes.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Hopwoods can wait till midsummer. Perhaps you wouldn't mind letting me have the use of the money in the meantime?

LADY TWOMBLEY.

No, certainly not.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

A cheque any day this week----

LADY TWOMBLEY.

All days are equally convenient.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Kitty, I _will_ hold on till Christmas!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Thank you, pa--I---- [She turns to him suddenly.] Oh, pa, I haven't got--I haven't--I----

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Haven't what, Kitty?

LADY TWOMBLEY.

N--nothing. Go--go to Dora. [He goes out.] Oh! where shall I turn for money? Where shall I turn? Where shall I turn--for money? [MRS.

GAYl.u.s.tRE advances and faces LADY TWOMBLEY.] Ah! Mrs. Gayl.u.s.tre!

MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.

Oh, Lady Twombley, I am in such distress!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Distress!

MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.

[Producing LADY TWOMBLEY's letter to BROOKE.] I picked up a letter in the next room. I thought it was the note you wrote me about the plum-coloured _peignoir_ and that it had fallen from my pocket. I glanced at it. Oh, look! [She hands the letter to LADY TWOMBLEY.]

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Gracious!

MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.

But that is not the worst. It tells me that you are in trouble--you, the best friend I have in the world, my benefactress. Oh, what shall I do?

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Hold your tongue about it.

MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.

Ah! why did I read it through?

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Because you were a little curious, I'm afraid.

MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.

I shan't sleep for it.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Thank you, I can do all my own lying awake. Mind your own concerns for the future, Gayl.u.s.tre.

MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.

It _is_ my concern when I can help you.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

_You_ help me?

MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.