This is exactly how I am placed. Mr. Fraser wanted to hurry me off abroad—ah! that’s done with. Instead of that, you see, I’ve taken my travels and my future into my own hands. I’ve telegraphed to Emily Graveney, who was at Madame MacDonnell’s with us girls in the Rue D’Audiffret-Pasquier. Emily is teaching in Paris now—I hardly know how she scrapes along; she’ll be mad with delight to have my companionship. But till the lawyers settle my position precisely as regards Mr. Fraser, I’m practically broke, penniless. It’s a little ready-money I want. JOHN. [_Who has seated himself at the right of the table while_ THEOPHILA _has been talking_.] You have only to tell me how much—— THEOPHILA. Well, I think I could tide over with fifty pounds. I’m afraid you haven’t got it in the house, though. I don’t want a cheque. JOHN. [_Taking out his keys and going to a table._] I believe I _can_ just make it up——[_He opens a drawer in the writing-table, finds some bank-notes, counts them, then empties his sovereign-purse and screws the gold up in the notes._] Within a pound—— THEOPHILA. That’s of no consequence. [_Rising._] I’m awfully obliged to you; I knew you would—I—I—— [_He returns to her, and finds her clutching the table unsteadily._ JOHN. [_Placing the money on the table._] What’s the matter? THEOPHILA. Nothing. [_Sinking back into the chair, with closed eyes._] I shall be all right in a minute. [_He brings her a glass of water, and places it to her lips. She sips the water for a little while, then gives a sigh._ JOHN. Better? THEOPHILA. I think so. JOHN. When did you last eat? [_She shakes her head feebly. He puts the glass of water aside and fetches the biscuits._] Get two or three of these down. Come—try——! THEOPHILA. [_Taking a biscuit._] Thank you. [_He places the biscuits on the table by her side, and goes back to the other table._ JOHN. A glass of this champagne would pull you together. THEOPHILA. [_Nibbling the biscuit, her eyes still closed._] Would it? [_He brings the decanter of champagne and a small tumbler. She, speaking faintly, and opening her eyes._] Oh, do let me off this, Jack. JOHN. [_Pouring out some champagne._] No, no; stick to it—do. THEOPHILA.