_
QUEX.
[_After a pause, during which she stands before him panting._] By God,
you're a fine plucked 'un! I've never known a better. [_Resolutely._]
No, my girl, I'm damned if you shall suffer! Quick! listen! pull
yourself together!
SOPHY.
[_Hysterically._] Eh? eh?
QUEX.
[_Taking her letter from his pocket and thrusting it into her hand._]
Here's your letter! take it--I won't have it. [_Going quickly to the
passage-door, unlocking it, and throwing the door open._] There you are!
SOPHY.
[_Sobbing._] Oh! oh!
[_There is a hurried, irregular knocking at the door._
QUEX.
[_Gripping her arm._] Hush! [_In a whisper._] Call out--wait!
SOPHY.
[_Raising her voice--unsteadily._] Wait--one moment!
QUEX.
[_In her ear, as he gives her the key of the door._] Say the Duchess is
with Mrs. Jack; say she wants her letters brought to her in the morning;
say anything--
SOPHY.
Yes, yes. [_Weeping and shaking and gasping, she goes to the door and
unlocks it. He tip-toes into the bedroom and turns out the light there.
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