Mrs. Arbuthnot. He wishes it himself.
Hester. But if you asked him he would stay, would he not?
Mrs. Arbuthnot. He has set his heart on going.
Hester. He couldn’t refuse you anything. He loves you too much. Ask him to stay. Let me send him in to you. He is on the terrace at this moment with Lord Illingworth. I heard them laughing together as I passed through the Music-room.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. Don’t trouble, Miss Worsley, I can wait. It is of no consequence.
Hester. No, I’ll tell him you want him. Do—do ask him to stay. [Exit Hester.]
Mrs. Arbuthnot. He won’t come—I know he won’t come.
[Enter Lady Caroline. She looks round anxiously. Enter Gerald.]
Lady Caroline. Mr. Arbuthnot, may I ask you is Sir John anywhere on the terrace?
Gerald. No, Lady Caroline, he is not on the terrace.