[Withdrawing the paper.] Ah, no.

Sophy.

Mayn't I?

Muriel.

[Yielding the paper impulsively.] Yes, you may.

[Muriel turns away and stands leaning upon the back of the screen-chair on the left, with her face in her hands. Sophy places the jeweller's case upon the circular table.

Sophy.

[Reading with difficulty.] "To Napier from Muriel. I only—" what? You have blotted it.

Muriel.

[With a sob.] Have I?