[_Picking up the cards._] “Mrs. Cloys,” “Mr. Claude Aylmer Emptage,” “Sir Fletcher Portwood.” Mrs. Cloys—that’s an aunt. OLIVE. [_Stonily._] An aunt——? JOHN. An aunt of Mrs. Fraser’s. What can they want with me? OLIVE. Isn’t it curious! JOHN. I assure you I haven’t the slightest idea. I suppose nothing has happened to her! OLIVE. To Mrs. Fraser? JOHN. Yes. OLIVE. Oh, no, nothing ever happens to these women with fair hair and heavy eyelids. JOHN. [_Biting his lip._] Really? OLIVE. You will see them, I suppose? JOHN. I can’t refuse to see them. OLIVE. May I—may I wait till they have gone? JOHN. Oh, Olive——! [_She walks to the dining-room, he following her._] I won’t let them detain me very long. OLIVE. [_Rapidly, agitatedly, facing him, her hand on the door-handle._] This is a most extraordinary visitation. These three people—her relatives—to come down on you like this, at such an hour! JOHN. I am sure you will find that their visit admits of a perfectly reasonable explanation. OLIVE. I’ve no doubt! JOHN. You shall have the fullest account of what passes between us. OLIVE. How shall I know it is a full account? JOHN. [_Leaving her._] Oh——! OLIVE. [_Advancing quickly._] No, I don’t mean that! [_Her hand to her heart._] Oh, do make some allowance for me, for my state of mind! JOHN. [_Turning abruptly._] Have you the courage to meet these people with me? If so, you can begin to-night to carry out your promise to serve Mrs. Fraser; you can tell her relatives now what your intentions are towards her. OLIVE. [_Falteringly._] Certainly, I have the courage to meet them. [_Advancing, tremblingly, breathlessly._] But do you know where you are drifting, John? JOHN. Where I am drifting——? OLIVE. Yes. I mean—what position are you willing to give me before these people? JOHN. Position——? OLIVE. I couldn’t submit to be treated as a culprit; and there is only one other possible position for me. JOHN. What is that? OLIVE. The—the—the wife. JOHN. [_Slowly._] The wife.