Janet. Oh. If that's all—(walks away in a huff.)
Ebag. (To Janet.) My deepest apologies.
(Lord Leonard Alcar shows Janet out.)
Texel. Well, well! What now?
Ebag. (To Carve.) You remember Lady Alice Rowfant?
Carve. (Taken aback.) That doesn't concern you.
Ebag. (Ignoring this answer.) Pardon me if I
[150]speak plainly. You were once engaged to marry Lady Alice Rowfant. But a few days before your valet died you changed your mind and left her in the lurch in Spain. Lady Alice Rowfant is now in England. She has been served with a subpoena to give evidence at the trial. And if the trial comes on she will have to identify you and tell her story in court. (Pause.) Are you going to put her to this humiliation?
(Carve walks about. Then he gives a gesture of surrender.)
Carve. The artist is always beaten! (With an abrupt movement he pulls undone the bow of his necktie.)