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[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, Perths.h.i.+re, 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.
