[Bursting into tears.] Oh, William——!

[Rose and Clara creep away and join the others. Miss Gower totters to Sir William and drops her head upon his breast.]

Sir William.

Tut, tut, tut, tut!

Miss Gower.

[Between her sobs.] I—I—I—I know what is in your mind.

Sir William.

[Drawing a long breath.] Ah—h—h—h!

Miss Gower.

Oh, my dear brother, be patient!