Lady Dorothy.

What do they say?

Margaret.
[Recovering herself, hesitating.] They say—but perhaps it is only on the Continent and in the enemy newspapers——

Lady Dorothy.
I know—that he is harsh, austere, cruel, and even brutal. Wrong! Utterly wrong! Sir Robert Temple is really the tenderest-hearted being alive.

Margaret.
[With a scarcely concealed sneer.] Ah!

Lady Dorothy.
Not that he is incapable of firmness when occasion requires—in his public capacity, for example. And even in private life, if he thought anybody had deceived or betrayed him— Ah, here he is!

[Sir Robert returns by lower door, R. Peggy runs to him, crying " Papa! " He picks up the child in his arms, kisses her.

Sir Robert.
You little jilt! You'll desert your poor old papa, now that your governess has come. Ever been in England before, Miss Michel?

Margaret.
[Hesitatingly.] No, sir.

[Galloway draws blinds, switches up lights, and goes out.