Part 68

Well, dear; well, well! Tell me wot's took place. Don't keep me in suspense.

LILY.

I shan't tell you anything, mother, till I've had a sleep. I must go through the sheets first. [Stamping her foot.] Oh, tear the thing; tear it!

MRS. UPJOHN.

'Ave you consented to make 'im 'appy, poor young gentleman? That's all I want to know, Lil. [Overcoming a hook.] There!

LILY.

Thank you, mother. [Slipping her arms out of her dress.] I can manage the rest.

MRS. UPJOHN.

But, Lil, dearie----!

LILY.

Oh, for mercy's sake, leave me alone! [Violently.] Why can't you leave me alone!

MRS. UPJOHN.

Ho! Very good! [Moving away indignantly as LILY, with shaking fingers, unfastens a necklace.] This is my reward for layin' awake 'alf the night, is it, an' for thinkin' of you, an' wonderin' about you! Ungrateful little puss, you! [Going towards the door.] After this, you can keep your affairs to yourself for as long as ever you choose. Don't you expect me----!

LILY.

MRS. UPJOHN.

LILY.

MRS. UPJOHN.

LILY.

MRS. UPJOHN.

At last----?

LILY.

END OF THE THIRD ACT.

THE FOURTH ACT

The scene is the same as in the preceding act, but the light outside is brighter and warmer and in the room is more diffused. On the table in the centre, placed close to the settee, there is a small tray with a breakfast of tea and toast upon it. The bedroom door is partly open.

MAUD.

LILY.

MAUD.

One of your embroidered muslins, or your Ninon?