DAVID. Well said, Mr. Shand.
MAGGIE [scared]. And now, if you’ll come with me, I think John has something he wants to talk over with Lady Sybil. [Recovering and taking him on.] Or would you prefer, John, to say it before us all?
SYBIL [gasping]. No!
JOHN [flinging back his head]. Yes, I prefer to say it before you all.
MAGGIE [flinging back hers]. Then sit down again.
[The WYLIES wonderingly obey.]
SYBIL. Mr. Shand, Mr. Shand!—
JOHN. Maggie knows, and it was only for her I was troubled. Do you think I’m afraid of them? [With mighty relief] Now we can be open.
DAVID [lowering]. What is it? What’s wrong, John Shand?
JOHN [facing him squarely]. It was to Lady Sybil I gave the pendant, and all my love with it. [Perhaps JAMES utters a cry, but the silence of ALICK and DAVID is more terrible.]