Child: "I'se free—Baby's one."
Mr. Gwynne-Harden: "So there's a baby, too, eh?"
Mrs. Chichester (appearing at the end of the verandah): "Jack, it's your bed-time. Say good-night, and come along at once."
Jack goes to Gwynne-Harden, and holds up his face to be kissed; but the honour is declined. The Colonial Secretary accepts it effusively. Then mother and child disappear together.
Colonial Secretary (laughingly): "You don't seem fond of kissing children!"
Mr. Gwynne-Harden: "Not other people's children, thank you!"
Colonial Secretary (who has never heard the scandal, to himself): "I wonder if there's a Mrs. Gwynne-Harden?"
The quarter of an hour preceding dinner. Gwynne-Harden is standing with his hands on the chimney-piece, looking into the empty fireplace. To him enter Mrs. Chichester.
Mrs. Chichester (advancing): "George! George—for myself I ask nothing; but for my children's sakes. Oh, George, be merciful!"