[_The_ DUCHESS _opens the door suddenly, and_ SOPHY, _who is kneeling at
the key-hole, lurches forward._

DUCHESS.

Ah!

[SOPHY, _enveloped in the Mandarin's robe, gathers herself up and,
without a word, flies away along the passage. The_ DUCHESS _shuts the
door and walks unsteadily to the settee._ QUEX _comes down, his mouth
set hard._

QUEX.

I was sure of it.

DUCHESS.

[_Aghast._] What will she do? will she tell?

QUEX.

Yes--she'll tell.

DUCHESS.

Why do you speak so positively?

QUEX.