Dunning.
[Looking about him, rather aggressively.] Well, I seem to have accidentally dropped a bombshell among you! Will any lady or gentleman kindly oblige with some particulars——? [To Ottoline, who checks him with an imperious gesture—changing his tone.] I beg your pardon, madarme——
[Ottoline has left her chair and come to the writing-table, where, with a drawn face and downcast eyes, she is now standing erect.
Ottoline.
[To Dunning, repeating her gesture.] Stop! [To Lady Filson and Sir Randle, in a strained voice.] Mother—Dad——
[Everybody looks at her, surprised at her manner.
Lady Filson.
Otto dear——?
Ottoline.
I—I can't allow you all to be mystified any longer. I—I can clear this matter up.