[To LADY TWOMBLEY.] Introduce me!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Never!

MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.

[To LADY TWOMBLEY.] Introduce him!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

I will not!

MR. JOSEPH LEBANON.

Lady Twombley!

[He produces his pocketbook, opens it, and gives her a glimpse of the Bills.]

LADY TWOMBLEY.

The Bills! Oh!

[She makes a futile s.n.a.t.c.h at the pocketbook.]

MR. JOSEPH LEBANON.

Lady Twombley, introduce me!

[SIR JULIAN enters, intent upon his speech, the MS. of which he carries in his hand.]

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

[To himself.] "I can conceive no position more agreeable to a Minister of the Crown----" [Seeing LEBANON.] Eh?

MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.

[Whispering to LADY TWOMBLEY.] Now!

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Julian, Lord Drumdurris, Brooke, let me introduce to you--Mr. Lebanon.

MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.

[Triumphantly to herself.] Ah!

MR. JOSEPH LEBANON.

[Triumphantly to himself.] Ah! [LEBANON grasps SIR JULIAN's hand warmly.] De-lighted to find myself in your elegant 'ouse. Most _recherche_. [Shaking hands with all the others.] You all know my sister Fan. Elegant 'ouse this. Most _recherche_.

[MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE runs to SIR JULIAN and taking a flower from her dress fastens it in his coat.]

DOWAGER.

[Outside.] Katherine!

[The DOWAGER enters with her arm through MACPHAIL's, LADY MACPHAIL following.]

DOWAGER.

I've found the truant. He had a motive.

MR. JOSEPH LEBANON.

[Quietly to MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.] Who's the Judy?

MRS. GAYl.u.s.tRE.

[To LEBANON.] Old Lady Drum.

MR. JOSEPH LEBANON.

Ah! [Turning to the DOWAGER and seizing her hand.] De-lighted! 'Ope to have the pleashah of meetin' you up North.

DOWAGER.

Katherine!

[There is a general expression of astonishment, and LADY TWOMBLEY sinks upon the settee.]

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

THE THIRD ACT.

DISASTER.

The scene is the inner hall at Drumdurris Castle, Perthshire, leading on one side to the outer hall, and on the other to the picture gallery. It is solidly and comfortably furnished, and a fire is burning in the grate of the large oaken fireplace. It is an afternoon in August.

IMOGEN is sitting at the table reading over a letter she has written.

IMOGEN.