[At her elbow.] Listen. I'll keep out of sight. Open the door boldly and walk along the passage. See if there is any sign of movement—

Duchess.

Yes, yes. [Steadying herself.] Perhaps we are disturbing ourselves unnecessarily.

Quex.

[Nodding reassuringly.] Perhaps so.

[He draws back into the bedroom, but so that he can put his head out at the opening, and watch the Duchess's proceedings. She goes to the door and lays her hand upon the key.

Duchess.

[Faltering.] Oh! oh, great heavens!

Quex.

[Encouragingly.] It's all right—it's all right. Very likely I am mistaken. Now!