[_Coming to him, her manner gradually changing to harshness, almost to violence._] Well, understand me, Mr. Allingham! I’m inclined to—to half-believe in you; you’ve an honest face and air—not that those things count for much; but understand me: if you bring, in any shape or form, further harm to her——! JOHN. [_Indignantly._] What further harm can I bring to her? You find me here with my wife——! MRS. CLOYS. Sir, you had a wife round the corner when you were engaged in destroying my niece’s reputation in Lennox Gardens! [_Recovering her composure._] But enough of that. [_Calmly, amiably._] We do understand one another, do we not? JOHN. [_Shortly._] Oh, perfectly. MRS. CLOYS. That’s right. [_Arranging her bonnet-strings, which have become slightly disordered._] Excuse me for breaking out in this fashion. [_She goes to the door, he following her. At the door she turns to him with grave dignity._] I’m afraid I’ve impressed you as being rather a tigress. [_She goes out. He closes the door after her and stands staring at the ground for a moment; then he gently turns the key in the lock and carefully draws the_ portière _across the door. He is about to put his finger upon the bell-press when he pauses._ JOHN. [_In a low voice._] Olive. Olive. I have not yet rung the bell. Do you stop me? [_A pause._] Won’t you stop me? [_He waits; there is no answer; with an angry gesture he rings the bell. After a brief pause_ QUAIFE _enters_; THEOPHILA _follows. She is dressed as in the previous Act, but is now thickly veiled._ QUAIFE _gives a puzzled look round the room and withdraws_. THEOPHILA. [_Advancing and speaking in a weak, plaintive voice._] Oh, Jack——! [_They shake hands, but in a constrained, rather formal way._] Of course, we could have had our talk very well in the lane; but it’s kind and considerate of you to ask me in. JOHN. Oh, not in the least. [_Confusedly._] I—er—I—Do sit down. [_She looks at him, expecting him to find her a chair. In the end, after a little uncertainty, she seats herself on the right of the table. In the meantime he ascertains that the door by which_ THEOPHILA _has entered is closed_. THEOPHILA. [_Lifting her veil._] I’m afraid you’re a little angry with me for hunting you up. JOHN. Angry? Why should I be angry? THEOPHILA.