Imogen.

Certainly, papa. [Sir Julian goes out.] What an awful task! [Taking a book from the table.]

Lady Macphail.

[Quietly to Macphail.] Colin, let her hear how a Macphail can love. [Kissing him.] My boy! [To the Dowager and Lady Twombley.] I’ll drive round to Lady Macwhirter’s and return. Leave them! Ah, the pipers shall play to the home-coming of a bride at Castle Ballocheevin! [She goes out.]

Dowager.

Come, Katherine. Think of it! To be the mother-in-law of the head of the Clan Macphail!

Lady Twombley.

Dora, what’s the use of a head with no tongue in it?

[The Dowager and Lady Twombley go out. Macphail looks round uneasily.]

Macphail.