Lady C. He is engaged to Rose?
Philip. Yes.
Lady C. Then the guardian is——
Sir G. I. (touches his breast, advances one step forward, and puts out his hand) Give me the letter. (Lady Carlyon and Philip both recoil one step—pause—they stand breathless, gazing at Sir George) You hesitate.
Philip. Sir George, you must make some allowances. This letter is addressed to me, and I should not be justified in letting it go out of my possession.
Sir G. How, then, do you propose to satisfy me?
Lady C. Might he not read it?
Sir G. Thank you, my dear, for the suggestion. That will meet the difficulty.
Philip. Then, I will read it. (reads nervously, the letter trembling in his hands) “I hear you are going to be married. Good-bye, Philip. You need not fear that I shall trouble you again; I have your happiness too much at heart; but if I should, this letter puts me at your mercy. Should the necessity arise, you have my leave to give it to whoever has the right to ask for it.—Yours, for the last time——”