Rose. Is anything the matter?
Lady C. I beg your pardon, dear. (rises and puts her arm round Rose and leads her to the lounge) I don’t feel very well to-night.
Rose. Sit down and let me talk to you. A chat will cheer you perhaps.
Lady Carlyon sits upon the lounge before the fire—Rose kneels beside her, on the further side from audience, so that both their faces are visible.
Lady C. I am so glad to have you with me, Rose. I wish I had you always. I am very lonely.
Rose. You have Uncle George!
Lady C. Sir George is always busy, and I do not care to interrupt him.
Rose. But he has some leisure.
Lady C. I never knew him to have any, since I was his wife. It’s not his fault. A man in his position has so much to do. When he is not in court, he is in Parliament.
Rose. He is at home to-night.