The Gay Lord Quex Part 46

[_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.