[_Heavily._] Let us see each other in the morning. [_She nods._] Be walking in the grounds by nine.
d.u.c.h.eSS.
Yes. [_Rallying._] After all, Harry, there may be nothing behind this woman"s behaviour. It may have been only the vulgarest curiosity on her part.
QUEX.
[_Incredulously._] Ha! However, in that case--
d.u.c.h.eSS.
Money.
QUEX.
Money.
d.u.c.h.eSS.
I ought to sound her directly she presents herself at my bedside, ought I not?
QUEX.
Earlier--before she has had time to get about the house. Stand at nothing. If she"s to be bought, she shall have whatever she demands--any sum!
d.u.c.h.eSS.
How liberal of you!
[QUEX _walks towards the door, then turns to her._
QUEX.
One thing I hope I need hardly say, d.u.c.h.ess?
d.u.c.h.eSS.
What--?
QUEX.
[_With dignity._] Worst come to the worst, I shall defend you by every means in my power. _I"m_ done, I feel sure; [_drawing himself up_] but, of course, I shall lie for you like the devil.
d.u.c.h.eSS.
[_Plaintively._] Thanks. And I have dragged you into it all.
QUEX.
Tsch! [_Bowing stiffly._] Good-night.
d.u.c.h.eSS.
Good-night. [_She goes to the table and prepares to remove the tray.
Having turned the key of the door,_ QUEX _pauses. She says fretfully._]
Oh, why don"t you go, Harry?
QUEX.
[_Facing her sharply, a new light in his eyes._] No! _you_ go.
d.u.c.h.eSS.
[_In astonishment._] I!
QUEX.
[_Returning to her excitedly._] I tell you I can"t wait through a night of suspense! Quick! [_Facing the room._] Leave me to deal with her here, at once.
d.u.c.h.eSS.
You!
QUEX.
[_Snapping his fingers._] By Jove, yes!
d.u.c.h.eSS.
What are you going to do?
QUEX.
Give her a fair chance, and then spoil her tale against you, in any event.
d.u.c.h.eSS.
How?
QUEX.
Trust to me. [_Impatiently._] Go, d.u.c.h.ess.
d.u.c.h.eSS.
But where? where can I--?
QUEX.