Part 25 (2/2)

[Tearfully.] Oh, don't!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Katherine, this child is not well.

IMOGEN.

Yes, I am, papa--but I don't like--the idea--of parting--with anybody or anything--even a k-k-kitten.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

[Soothingly.] Imogen, my dear!

IMOGEN.

Be quiet, mamma!

[The DOWAGER, LADY EUPHEMIA, EGIDIA, and ANGeLE with the baby go out.

IMOGEN runs after them. SIR JULIAN resumes the study of his speech. LADY TWOMBLEY opens some letters which are lying on the table.]

BROOKE TWOMBLEY.

[To VALENTINE.] I never knew such a queer chap! Come upstairs and tell us all about it--what!

[BROOKE, VALENTINE, and DRUMDURRIS go out.]

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Oh!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Katherine?

LADY TWOMBLEY.

It's all right, pa--it's nothing. [To herself.] Gayl.u.s.tre! [Reading a letter.] ”I will accompany you and dear Sir Julian to the interesting ceremony of this morning. Pray keep me a seat in your carriage.”

[Crus.h.i.+ng the letter in her hand.] The demon! The relentless demon!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

”I can conceive no position more agreeable to a Minister of the Crown----”

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Pa, dear, Mrs. Gayl.u.s.tre will go with us to the opening of the new street.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

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