I want to see 'em both, but it's the girl I'm rilly looking for.

HORACE

[trembling, but speaking even more haughtily]

Will you be good enough to state any possible reason why Miss Granger-Simpson should see you?

PIKE

[in profound surprise, yet mildly]

Reason—why, yes—I'm her guardian.

[ETHEL lifts her hand to her forehead as if dizzy. MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY puts an arm around her. ETHEL recovers herself and stands rigidly, staring at PIKE.]

HORACE

[staggered]