[A trifle uncomfortably.] I know——!

Lydia.

And another year—that dark beauty. He was speaking a foreign tongue to her when we came. “Celeste,” I think her name was. I think it is a French name. With what I had picked up at the Academy for Young Ladies, I could easily see they were planning to settle right here in a few weeks. She didn’t love him at all! [With a mischievous laugh.] Do you remember how frightened she was, Richard? [Smoothing her little panniers.] Big women are always such cowards!

Richard.

[As before.] Yes, of course,—but——

Lydia.

[With a touch of asperity.] What is it, Richard?

Richard.

You—we’ve upset the plans of a good many people, haven’t we? Need we bother any more about them? [Gently.] We have each other—to-night——!

Lydia.