(Meanwhile the Minister looks from one to the other, turns to Duchess.)
Minister.
He is evidently really a dangerous man! But a clergyman too! What an outrage to the cloth. That’s the kind of thing to make atheists.
Smithers.
(Snapping his note book and turning quickly.) He is no clergyman. A very dangerous man, sir. It is all a pretence too about his being an American. He is an out and out German, sir, and I make no doubt the young lady was right about his attempt on your life, sir. I expect you have had a narrow escape. We won’t trouble you any further to-night. Take him off, men. I’ve got all the addresses. Good-night, ladies—good-night, sir, good-night, sir. (Goes out after Varlie, led by the men, unresisting now.)
(Loveday and Gordon look at each other. Duchess subsides into sofa by the Minister.)
Duchess.
As I said, even London is an adventure for the right man. (Fans herself.) Loveday, come here.
Minister.
(Rises and shakes her hand, keeps it and pats it.) My dear young lady, my dear young lady. The service you have done me is too great for thanks. You may command me—always. And I hope I may often have the happiness of serving you. But please give me something to do at once. What can I do for you?