She is in Miss Eden's confidence--the trull. And she has always shown her teeth at me, now I remember. [_Drawing a deep breath._] Oh, yes, I see--Miss Fullgarney has meant mischief throughout. DUCHESS. [_Sinking upon the settee._] Oh! QUEX. [_Quietly._] Well--_I'm done_. DUCHESS. Oh, my reputation! QUEX. I'm--done. DUCHESS. My reputation! I have never ceased to guard that, as you know. QUEX. I've lost her. DUCHESS. My reputation! QUEX. Of course, I deserve it. But-- [_He sits, his head bowed._ DUCHESS. [_Looking up._] To think--to think that I allowed this plausible creature to thrust herself upon me! [_He raises his head, glaring fiercely. She beats the pillow._] Oh! oh! my reputation in the hands of this low creature! QUEX. Ah--! [_With a half-smothered cry he goes to the door and pulls it open. The_ DUCHESS _runs after him and seizes his arm_.] I said I'd wring her damned neck--I told Frayne so. DUCHESS. [_Pushing him away from the door._] Don't! don't! violence will not help us. [_She closes the door; he stands clutching the chair by the writing-table. The clock strikes twelve._] Midnight. [_Leaning upon a chair._] At any rate, you had better go now. QUEX. [_Turning to her._] I beg your pardon; I regret having lost control of myself. DUCHESS. [_Miserably._] It has been a wretchedly disappointing meeting. QUEX. [_Heavily._] Let us see each other in the morning. [_She nods._] Be walking in the grounds by nine. DUCHESS. Yes. [_Rallying._] After all, Harry, there may be nothing behind this woman's behaviour. It may have been only the vulgarest curiosity on her part. QUEX. [_Incredulously._] Ha! However, in that case-- DUCHESS. Money. QUEX. Money. DUCHESS. I ought to sound her directly she presents herself at my bedside, ought I not? QUEX. Earlier--before she has had time to get about the house. Stand at nothing. If she's to be bought, she shall have whatever she demands--any sum! DUCHESS. How liberal of you! [QUEX _walks towards the door, then turns to her._ QUEX. One thing I hope I need hardly say, Duchess? DUCHESS. What--? QUEX. [_With dignity._] Worst come to the worst, I shall defend you by every means in my power. _I'm_ done, I feel sure; [_drawing himself up_] but, of course, I shall lie for you like the devil. DUCHESS. [_Plaintively._] Thanks. And I have dragged you into it all. QUEX. Tsch! [_Bowing stiffly._] Good-night. DUCHESS. Good-night. [_She goes to the table and prepares to remove the tray. Having turned the key of the door,_ QUEX _pauses. She says fretfully._] Oh, why don't you go, Harry? QUEX. [_Facing her sharply, a new light in his eyes._] No! _you_ go. DUCHESS. [_In astonishment._] I! QUEX. [_Returning to her excitedly._] I tell you I can't wait through a night of suspense! Quick! [_Facing the room._] Leave me to deal with her here, at once. DUCHESS. You! QUEX. [_Snapping his fingers._] By Jove, yes! DUCHESS. What are you going to do? QUEX.