SOPHY. [_Thrusting his fingers into the bowl._] Baby! [_The water splashes over her dress and his coat._] Oh! QUEX. I beg your pardon. SOPHY. Now what have you done? [_Wiping the water from his coat._] You clumsy boy! QUEX. Thanks, thanks. [_She commences operations upon his left hand. He is now thoroughly entertained by her freedom and audacity._ SOPHY. Ha, ha! do you know what _I_ maintain? QUEX. [_Laughing._] Upon my word, I dread to think. SOPHY. Why, that every man who looks younger than his years should be watched by the police. QUEX. Good heavens, Sophy--Miss Fullgarney! SOPHY. Yes--as a dangerous person. QUEX. Dangerous! ho, come! SOPHY. [_With the suggestion of a wink._] Dangerous. The man who is younger than he ought to be is always no better than he should be. QUEX. Ha, ha, ha! SOPHY. Am I right? am I right, eh? [_Putting her cheek near his lips--speaking in a low voice, breathlessly, her eyes averted._] Tell me whether I'm right, my lord. [_For the first time, a suspicion of her designs crosses his mind. He draws back slowly, eyeing her. There is a pause._ QUEX. [_In an altered tone, but keeping her in play._] Ha, ha, ha, ha! [_Looking at his watch._] I--I am afraid I shall have to run away to dress for dinner very soon. SOPHY. [_Resuming her work, disappointed._] Not yet; you've plenty of time. But there, dangerous or not dangerous, in my heart I can't help holding with what my lady-customers are continually saying. QUEX. [_Watching her keenly._] No? and what are your lady-customers continually saying? SOPHY. Why, that the young fellows of the day are such conceited, apish creatures; no man under forty-five is worth wasting a minute's time over. QUEX. Ho! they say that, your lady-customers? SOPHY. Yes; and they're good judges, they are. QUEX. Good judges! none better--none better. SOPHY. [_Laying her clipper aside suddenly, and putting her hand to her eyes with a cry of pain._] Oh! QUEX. [_Coolly._] What's the matter? SOPHY. [_Rising._] A little splinter has flown into my eye It often happens. QUEX. [_Rising._] Extremely painful, I expect? SOPHY. [_Producing her handkerchief._] Very. [_Giving him her handkerchief._] Do you think you could find it? QUEX. Certainly, if it's to be found. SOPHY. [_Holding the lapels of his coat, her head almost upon his shoulder, her eyes closed._] Ah! please make haste and look for it! QUEX. Right or left? SOPHY. The ri--the left. QUEX. [_Sharply._] Raise your head. Stand up. SOPHY. [_Releasing his coat and raising her head._] Eh? QUEX. [_Sternly._] Open your eyes. Both of them. [_She opens her eyes and stares at him. He returns her handkerchief._] There! I have removed the splinter. [_She slowly backs away like a whipped child. He follows her._] Miss Fullgarney, I understand you are engaged to be married--to this young man, Valma? SOPHY. [_Tremblingly._] Yes, my lord. QUEX. Do you care for him? SOPHY. [_Faintly._] Yes. QUEX.