just arrived--Gentlemanly Johnny we call him, sir--and he won't
have done finding fault with everything this side of half past. I
know him, sir: I served with him in Portugal. You may count on
twenty minutes, sir; and by your leave I won't waste any more of
them. (He goes out, locking the door. Richard immediately drops
his raffish manner and turns to Judith with considerate
sincerity.)

RICHARD. Mrs. Anderson: this visit is very kind of you. And how
are you after last night? I had to leave you before you
recovered; but I sent word to Essie to go and look after you. Did
she understand the message?

JUDITH (breathless and urgent). Oh, don't think of me: I haven't
come here to talk about myself. Are they going to--to--(meaning
"to hang you")?

RICHARD (whimsically). At noon, punctually. At least, that was
when they disposed of Uncle Peter. (She shudders.) Is your
husband safe? Is he on the wing?

JUDITH. He is no longer my husband.

RICHARD (opening his eyes wide). Eh!

JUDITH. I disobeyed you. I told him everything. I expected him to
come here and save you. I wanted him to come here and save you.
He ran away instead.

RICHARD. Well, that's what I meant him to do. What good would his