DAN: You got in your hand.

HUBERT: Well, I didn't—er—

DAN: Means well, does Lil; but we had a row. (Taking back the letter) She would spy on me. And if there's anythin' I hate, it's spyin'. Don't you agree?

HUBERT: Ye-es.

DAN: I'd sooner have anythin' than a spy. (To MRS. TERENCE) Bar a murderer, o' course.

A pause. He is arranging his property in his wallet.

HUBERT (incredulous): What—what did you say?

DAN (turning to him casually): Bar a murderer, o' course!

OLIVIA steps forward. MRS. TERENCE steps back from the chair on which the hat-box has been placed.

OLIVIA (incisively): Talking of murder, do you know anything about Mrs. Chalfont's whereabouts at the moment?