Deadly. But the worst of it is, [with a bow and a sigh] we have no European ladies.

[Muriel—eyeing the Duchess—rises, shrinkingly, and steals away.

Frayne.

[Looking after Muriel.] Quex! ha, there's a lucky dog, now!

Duchess.

[Sweetly.] You are delighted, naturally, at your old friend's approaching marriage?

Frayne.

[Kissing his finger-tips towards the left.] Miss Eden—! [Inquisitively.] And—and you, Duchess?

Duchess.

[Raising her eyebrows.] I?