Dowager.

It never struck me your wife was thrifty.

Sir Julian Twombley.

Nor me till that moment. Which shows how liable the most careful observer is to error. [Resuming the study of his speech.] Pray excuse me.

Dowager.

[To herself.] Um! [She goes up to the window.]

Sir Julian Twombley.

[Studying.] “I can conceive no position more agreeable to a Minister of the Crown——” I’ll go upstairs, quietly. “——than that which I occupy upon this occasion.”

[He moves softly toward the door. The Dowager turns suddenly.]

Dowager.