No, no—Watson has left me for a few hours. I am speaking of Sophy.
[There is a brief silence. Quex, surprised in the act of drinking, lowers his glass slowly.
Quex.
[In a queer voice.] Sophy?
Duchess.
Miss Fullgarney, the manicurist. She was so good as to offer to take Watson's place for to-night.
Quex.
[Looking steadily before him.] Oh?
[There is another pause. The Duchess puts down her glass and, with her foot, pushes the footstool towards Quex.