What matters that?

Sophy.

Oh, but I beg your pardon—it does. [Relaxing.] I am sure I can depend on you not to give me away all over the place?

Pollitt.

Miss Fullgarney—!

Sophy.

[After a cautious glance round.] You know, Mr. Valma, I was always a self-willed, independent sort of a girl—a handful, they used to call me; and when father died I determined to have done with my step-mother, and to come to London at any price. I was seventeen then.

Pollitt.

Yes?

Sophy.