STUDDENHAM. [Into his beard] Well—that's something! [Moving his hands as if wringing the neck of a bird] I'm tryin' to see the rights o' this.
SIR WILLIAM. [Bitterly] You've all your work cut out for you, Studdenham.
Again STUDDENHAM makes the unconscious wringing movement with his hands.
LADY CHESHIRE. [Turning from it with a sort of horror] Don't, Studdenham! Please!
STUDDENHAM. What's that, m'lady?
LADY CHESHIRE. [Under her breath] Your—your—hands.
While STUDDENHAM is still staring at her, FREDA is seen standing in the doorway, like a black ghost.
STUDDENHAM. Come here! You! [FREDA moves a few steps towards her father] When did you start this?
FREDA. [Almost inaudibly] In the summer, father.
LADY CHESHIRE. Don't be harsh to her!