Very well, Miss Fullgarney.

SOPHY.

[_Glancing at_ QUEX _and_ FRAYNE, _who are now looking out of the window, with their backs towards her._] If Miss Eden should happen to turn up before I'm free, just mention who I'm engaged with, will you?

MISS MOON.

Yes, Miss Fullgarney.

SOPHY.

That'll do. [_With sudden fierceness._] What are you all staring at?

Haven't any of _you_ ever slept in a strange bed?

[_The girls retreat hastily, each carrying an article belonging to_ SOPHY.

QUEX.

[_Advancing a step or two._] I am exceedingly sorry to see you looking so fatigued.

SOPHY.

[_Faintly._] Didn't close my eyes the whole night. [_She drops the_ portiere _over the entrance, and approaches_ QUEX.] Well, my lord?

QUEX.

I have ventured to call upon you, Miss Fullgarney, in the hope of ratifying the excellent understanding with which we parted last night.

SOPHY.

[_Pointing to_ FRAYNE.] Well, but--er--

QUEX.

Oh--oh, yes--[_To_ FRAYNE, _who has turned away._] Frayne--[_To_ SOPHY.] I have taken my old and trusted friend, Sir Chichester Frayne, into my confidence in this regrettable business.

SOPHY.

[_Dubiously._] Indeed?

QUEX.

I thought it desirable there should be a third party--

SOPHY.

P'r'aps you're right. [_Cuttingly._] One needs a third party when one has the honour of meeting your lordship--[_Checking herself._] Excuse me.

QUEX.

[_Pleasantly, with a slight bow of acknowledgment._] Before we go further, I may tell you that her Grace has informed me of what pa.s.sed between you this morning.

SOPHY.

Nothing pa.s.sed.

QUEX.

Precisely.

SOPHY.

The lady beamed upon me, for all the world as if she was an angel spending a Sat.u.r.day-to-Monday here below; and I dressed her hair for her just as if I didn't want to tear it out by the roots. And then she turned up her eyes and said she hoped every happiness would attend me, and went downstairs to prayers.

QUEX.

Will you allow me to--to thank you?

SOPHY.

[_Frigidly._] You needn't. [_Abruptly._] Oh, by-the-by, the lady gave me a--a keepsake, she called it. [_Endeavouring to extract some bulky object from her pocket._] I mean to burn the thing, once I've found out what's inside it. But I can't get it open. Here it is.

[_She exhibits the little box, covered with brocade, which_ QUEX _has returned to the_ d.u.c.h.eSS _in the previous Act._

QUEX.

[_Surprised._] By Jove!

SOPHY.

[_Simply._] Eh?

QUEX.

Er--I was wondering what she can have put in that little box.

SOPHY.

Yes, _I_ wonder. [_Pulling at the lid._] It's locked.

QUEX.

I fancy it has one of those Bramah locks which snap. I may have a key-- [_He produces his key-ring and, promptly selecting a key, unlocks the box._] Fortunate coincidence.

[_She opens the box and takes out the first thing that presents itself--the blue silk garter with the diamond buckle._

SOPHY.