[The lovely form inclines towards them. ALICK and DAVID remain firm
on their legs, but JAMES totters.]

JAMES. A ladyship! Well done, Maggie.

ALICK [sharply]. James! I remember you, my lady.

MAGGIE. Sit down, father. This is the study.

[JAMES wanders round it inquisitively until called to order.]

SYBIL. You must be tired after your long journey.

DAVID [drawing the portraits of himself and partners in one lightning
sketch]. Tired, your ladyship? We sat on cushioned seats the whole
way.

JAMES [looking about him for the chair you sit on]. Every seat in
this room is cushioned.

MAGGIE. You may say all my life is cushioned now, James, by this dear
man of mine.

[She gives JOHN'S shoulder a loving pressure, which SYBIL feels is a
telegraphic communication to herself in a cypher that she cannot
read. ALICK and the BROTHERS bask in the evidence of MAGGIE's
happiness.]

JOHN [uncomfortably]. And is Elizabeth hearty, James?