Perhaps not; but Admiral Rankling asked me to remain, and, if he hadn't, I'm not going to leave this house till my friend Queckett is out of danger. PEGGY. Out of danger. MALLORY. Yes. Are you aware that you young ladies have brought very grave difficulties upon that unfortunate gentleman? PEGGY. [_Crying._] He encouraged us! He's a man! MALLORY. Now, pray don't cry, my dear Miss--what is your name this morning? PEGGY. Hesslerigge, and I wish I'd never been born! MALLORY. Hesslerigge and you wish you'd never been born. [_ Taking her hand._] Well, Miss Hesslerigge, the serious aspect of the affair is that Admiral Rankling has a most violent, ungovernable temper. PEGGY. [_Tearfully._] I know. I've never seen a gentleman foam at the mouth before. It's quite a new experience. MALLORY. [_Soothingly._] Of course--of course--and therefore I'm apprehensive for poor Mr. Queckett's bodily safety. Meanwhile I won't disturb you any longer; come along, Saunders. PEGGY. Where are you going? MALLORY. To the front door--to speak a word or two of encouragement to that young fellow, Paulover. PEGGY. Oh, is he outside still? In the snow! MALLORY. Why, he has been walking up and down on the other side of the way all night. PEGGY. [_Indignantly._] And you haven't let him in! MALLORY. How could I! You forget that our host has forbidden him the house. PEGGY. No, I don't; I saw them roll out into the road together. Girls, shall we open the front door or shall we remain the mere slaves of etiquette? GWENDOLINE. I should like to let him in. ERMYNTRUDE. Certainly--why not? SAUNDERS. Come along--I know the way. [_Saunders, Gwendoline, and Ermyntrude go out quietly._] MALLORY. [_To Peggy._] Well, you'll perhaps pardon my saying that you are a devil-may-care little schoolgirl! PEGGY. You make a great mistake. I am not a schoolgirl; I am struggling to be a governess. MALLORY. Ah, I hope you'll make your way in your profession. [_Peggy has discovered the spirit-stand on the sideboard and now places it on the table. _] MALLORY. What are you going to do now? PEGGY. Brew poor Mr. Paulover something hot. [_Bringing the kettle and spirit lamp to the table_] Light this lamp for me, please. [_He lights the lamp._] If you can recommend me at any time to a lady with young daughters I shall be grateful. MALLORY. I will--I will. PEGGY. I think I am almost capable of finishing any young lady now. MALLORY. I am sure you are. [_Looking at the spirit lamp._] Is that alight? [_They put their heads down close together to look at the lighted lamp._] That's all right. PEGGY. Seems so. [_They rise and look at one another._] MALLORY. We'd better watch it, perhaps, in case it goes out. [_ They bob down again with their heads together and both sit on the same chair._] You'll get into an awful scrape over your share in last night's business, won't you? PEGGY. Frightful; the thought depresses me. MALLORY.