(ERNEST hesitates. He then lifts the bucket and follows CRICHTON to the nearest spring.)
LORD LOAM (rather white). I’m sorry for him, but I had to be firm.
LADY MARY. Oh father, it wasn’t you who was firm. Crichton did it himself.
LORD LOAM. Bless me, so he did.
LADY MARY. Father, be strong.
LORD LOAM (bewildered). You can’t mean that my faithful Crichton—
LADY MARY. Yes, I do.
TREHERNE. Lady Mary, I stake my word that Crichton is incapable of acting dishonourably.
LADY MARY. I know that; I know it as well as you. Don’t you see that that is what makes him so dangerous?
TREHERNE. By Jove, I—I believe I catch your meaning.