[The Duchess opens the door suddenly, and Sophy, who is kneeling at the key-hole, lurches forward.

Duchess.

Ah!

[Sophy, enveloped in the Mandarin's robe, gathers herself up and, without a word, flies away along the passage. The Duchess shuts the door and walks unsteadily to the settee. Quex comes down, his mouth set hard.

Quex.

I was sure of it.

Duchess.

[Aghast.] What will she do? will she tell?

Quex.

Yes—she'll tell.