For the best!

Sophy.

What I mean is, that very likely we've both of us been a little cruel to poor Lord Quex—hard on him—

Muriel.

[Indignantly.] You say this to me! [Distractedly.] You say this, after having poisoned my mind and given me an awful night of sleeplessness and doubt. Yesterday I was as firm as a rock; to-day I'm as weak as water again. [Facing Sophy with flashing eyes.] Ah, I tell you honestly you'd better not let me meet Captain Bastling this morning! you'd better not let me see him!

[The door-gong sounds. Bastling appears at the window, and looks into the room.

Sophy.

[Whose back is towards the window, soothingly.] No, no, you sha'n't go across to Valma's while you're like this. I'll make an excuse for you to Captain Bastling—

Bastling.

[At the window.] Muriel!