Yes, yes. [_As she is walking away, she sees_ JOHN—_who has been standing silently behind the settee, his back turned to those in the room—and she says to the others_.] One moment. [_She comes down, looking at_ JOHN.] Mr. Allingham. [_He approaches her slowly. After a pause she says in a low voice._] Oh, Jack, how could you? [_He bows his head, making no reply._] Well—for auld lang-syne——[_She holds out her hand; he takes it, but releases it quickly. She turns to go, then pauses._] Where’s your wife? [_He looks towards the dining-room door. She hesitates for a moment, then, goes out quickly by that door._] MRS. CLOYS. [_Looking round._] Theophila—Theophila—— JOHN. [_Watching the door._] She will be here in a moment; she is with my wife. SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD. [_His voice rising._] My dear bishop, it is my view of life, and the observation has some theological bearing, that the devil almost invariably appears to women in the form of Impulse. In saying this, I am perhaps on the verge of a truism—— BISHOP OF ST. OLPHERTS. No, no, no. THEOPHILA _re-enters; her veil is raised_. THEOPHILA. [_As she passes_ JOHN, _lowering her veil_.] It’s all right. [_There is a hubbub of talk as_ THEOPHILA _and her relatives go out at the upper door_. MRS. EMPTAGE. You will need a warm wrap, Theo. JUSTINA. I have one here, mother. MRS. CLOYS. Now, Bishop—— SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD. Is the carriage closed? BISHOP OF ST. OLPHERTS. I hope not. SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD. You shall run no risk, my dear bishop—— MRS. EMPTAGE. Claude, come to the gate. Give me your arm, Alec—— [_The talk ceases._ JOHN _is alone. After a pause he goes out into the garden and stands looking off towards the left, as if watching the departing carriage._ OLIVE _enters slowly and sadly; she sits upon the settee, covering her eyes with her hand_. JOHN _re-enters the room. Seeing_ OLIVE, _he remains where he is for a moment or two irresolutely; then he comes down to her, sits beside her and takes her hand_. THE END. _Printed by_ BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO. _London and Edinburgh_ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ =A Selection= FROM _MR. WM. HEINEMANN’S LIST._ ---