[To Quaife.] When I ring, show her in here.

Quaife withdraws.

Mrs. Cloys.

[Agitatedly.] Mr. Allingham, you will not let Theo slip through my fingers; you won’t let her escape me——? [Looking at him.] Oh, I will trust you so far.

John.

You may. I only ask you to allow me to have my interview with Mrs. Fraser undisturbed.

Mrs. Cloys.

Ah, if you knew how I hate the idea of this meeting between you two! [Turning sharply.] I’ve a feeling that something evil is going to result from it——!

John.

I can only repeat, you’re wrong in what you think of me—[turning away]—wrong, every one of you.