My dear Dora!

DOWAGER.

Keith and Egidia approach you at this early hour at my instigation. I have a painful motive.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Oh, dear me!

[EGIDIA enters, dressed in fashionable walking costume, her face pale and troubled.]

EGIDIA.

[Sadly.] Sir Julian.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

My dear Egidia, there is nothing amiss, I hope?

EGIDIA.

Ah! Everything is amiss, Sir Julian.

DOWAGER.

Julian, the relations between my son and his wife have become terribly strained.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

No, no!

EGIDIA.

Indeed, yes!

DOWAGER.

I have done all in my power to relieve the horrible tension--if anything, I have made matters worse. My hope is now centred in you. Here is Keith.

EGIDIA.

Ah!

[EGIDIA sits upon a settee staring before her. DRUMDURRIS enters, looking much worried.]

EARL OF DRUMDURRIS.

Ah, mother. [Grasping SIR JULIAN's hand with feeling.] Sir Julian.

[He and his wife look severely at one another and draw themselves up.]

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

My dear Keith, what can I do for you?

EARL OF DRUMDURRIS.

Ha! Explain, mother.

DOWAGER.

Julian, my son and his wife have cordially agreed to refer their grave differences to your judgment.

EGIDIA.

Without binding ourselves to abide by Sir Julian's decision.

EARL OF DRUMDURRIS.

Naturally.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Pray tell me the cause of dispute.

DOWAGER.

The future of their child.

EGIDIA.

Ah, yes.

DOWAGER.

The adjustment of the career he is to follow.

EARL OF DRUMDURRIS.

That is precisely it.

DOWAGER.

[To DRUMDURRIS.] Where is Fergus?

EARL OF DRUMDURRIS.

He accompanied us.