[He joins the others, who are talking together.]

Dowager.

[To Lady Twombley.] I have a motive. My whole life has been one vast comprehensive motive. Lady Macphail is the little woman to whom I introduced you on the stairs at the Palace.

Lady Twombley.

Well, but——

Dowager.

I encountered her again, and delivered a message from you begging her to come on here with Sir Colin to drink tea.

Lady Twombley.

I never——

Dowager.