Olive.

[In the same way.] Ha, ha, ha! [Glancing towards the door.] Shall I slip into the dining-room while they pass out?

John.

Please don’t. They’re old friends of both of us; they understand perfectly——

Olive.

[Returning to the fireplace.] I’ll face it out, if you wish it.

John.

[Calling.] Denzil—Peter——

[Shafto and Elphick sedately emerge from the library, and descend the steps. Shafto bows to Olive.

Olive.