[FRAYNE _moves away to the circular table and sniffs at a bottle of scent._ QUEX _goes to the window._ QUEX. [_Looking out._] Yes. What's old Napier up to there? SOPHY. [_Guiltily._] I--I heard Captain Bastling mention that he was thinking of having his hand read by Mr. Valma some time or other. QUEX. No! ha, ha, ha! [_Leaving the window._] He doesn't see me; I won't disturb him. [_To_ SOPHY, _jocularly._] A convenient arrangement--it is possible to transfer oneself from the manicurist to the palmist without the trouble of putting on one's gloves. SOPHY. Ha, ha! y--yes. QUEX. [_Pausing on his way to the entrance._] Miss Fullgarney, may I ask if you and Mr. Valma have fixed upon the date of your marriage? SOPHY. Oh, we sha'n't get married yet awhile--not for a year or more, I fancy. QUEX. [_Graciously._] In that case, I shall hope to have the pleasure, and the privilege, of being present at your wedding--with my wife. SOPHY. [_Hanging her head._] Thank you. QUEX. Chick-- [_He goes out._ FRAYNE. [_Turning to_ SOPHY _with dignity._] Miss Fullgarney, one thing I desire to say. It is that your behaviour this morning completely obliterates--the-- [_He is cut short by another hiccup and, with a bow, withdraws._ POLLITT _appears at the window._ SOPHY _goes to the entrance, and watches the departure of_ QUEX _and_ FRAYNE. POLLITT _enters the room. The door-gong sounds._ POLLITT. Sophy. SOPHY. [_Turning._] Oh! Valma, dear? POLLITT. [_With a heavy brow._] Captain Bastling is waiting at my place, for Miss Eden. SOPHY. [_Subdued._] Is he? POLLITT. Dearest, during my brief but, I pride myself, honourable association with palmistry, this is the first time my rooms have been used for this sort of game. SOPHY. This sort of game? POLLITT. Other Professors have stooped to it, but I--oh, no, it is playing palmistry a little bit too low down. SOPHY. [_Unhappily._] Surely it's quite harmless, love--a couple of young people meeting to say good-bye. POLLITT. From what you've told me, I greatly doubt that it _will_ be good-bye. SOPHY. D--d--do you? POLLITT. [_Hotly._] Anyhow I resent _your_ being the go-between of this gallant captain and a girl betrothed to another man--you who are naturally such a thorough lady! SOPHY. Oh--oh, Valma--! [_She drops her head upon his shoulder and whimpers._ POLLITT. Dearest, what have I said? SOPHY. Valma, I've made up my mind. I intend to do exactly what you wish, in the future, in everything. I'm going to give up squatting down here manicuring gentlemen-- POLLITT. Sophy! SOPHY. And shall simply sail about these rooms, overlooking my girls in the plainest of silks. And never again will I interfere in an underhand way in other people's affairs on any account whatever. [_Putting her arms round his neck._] Yes, you _shall_ find me a lady--a lady-- POLLITT. [_Tenderly._] Ah--! [_The door-gong sounds. She raises her head and dries her eyes hurriedly._] Is that Miss Eden?