‘Evidently not,’ said Lady Wyse.
‘It’s all come out,’ said Mr. Cato, sepulchrally.
‘What’s come out?’ said his sister, scared. ‘I’ve heard nothing.’
Joey thrust the paper at her with an indicating finger.
She stared for a long time at the words without understanding; then fell into a chair and laughed hysterically.
‘What do you think of it now they’ve caught it?’ whispered Dwala, turning white eyes towards her.
‘Well, really, you ridiculous creature!’ she exclaimed, flapping at him with a little lace handkerchief, half coquettishly, half as if keeping something off. ‘It’s so out of the common.... The Prime Minister!... One doesn’t know what to say!’
‘He’s dying,’ said Mr. Cato.
‘Wyndham! How can you!’
‘Lady Wyse must go and get some sleep now; you will take her place.’