SOPHY.
[_Fussing with the objects upon the cabinet and the manicure-table._]
Oh?
QUEX.
Miss Eden had some little commission to discharge at Gressier"s, and intended coming across to you immediately afterwards.
SOPHY.
[_Quickly._] Ah, then she hasn"t finished her business at Gressier"s yet.
QUEX.
Yes, because I looked in at the shop on my way here.
SOPHY.
Funny. I can"t imagine where she"s taken herself to.
QUEX.
[_Earnestly._] Miss Fullgarney--
SOPHY.
My lord?
QUEX.
I thought we had become good friends, you and I--?
SOPHY.
So we have, I hope.
QUEX.
And that you were desirous of rendering me a service?
SOPHY.
Well, aren"t I, my lord?
QUEX.
Are you? You _know_ that Miss Eden came to you directly she left Gressier"s. You _know_ she did.
SOPHY.
[_After a pause--drawing a deep breath._] Yes, I--I own it.
QUEX.
[_Reproachfully._] Ah, Miss Fullgarney!
SOPHY.
She _has_ been in, and I _have_ done you the service I promised.
QUEX.
[_Calmly._] You have?
SOPHY.
Indeed I have, as true as I stand here. [_Steadying herself._] But the fact is--the fact is Miss Eden had a purchase to make that she didn"t wish the ladies to interfere over, and--and she has run out for ten minutes. If your lordship must know where she is, she"s in the Burlington.
QUEX.
[_Very quietly._] Oh, she has run out for a few minutes?
SOPHY.
She might be a quarter of an hour.
QUEX.
Not _run_ out; _flown_ out, at one of these windows.
SOPHY.
[_Faintly._] One of these windows?
QUEX.
[_Pointing to the entrance._] She has not gone out by the door.
SOPHY.
What do you mean?
QUEX.
Your young ladies a.s.sured me just now that Miss Eden was in this room with you. [FRAYNE, _possessed of an idea, has gone to the door in the part.i.tion. He now raps at the door gently._] No, no, Chick--please! we are not policemen.
FRAYNE.
[_Opening the door a few inches._] Miss Eden, I regret to learn you are suffering from headache.