ST. OLPHERTS. [Writing.] Five--four--nought--two. Tomorrow
afternoon? [She inclines her head.] Four o'clock?
GERTRUDE. Yes; that would give the people ample time to tidy and clear
up after us.
ST. OLPHERTS. After you--?
GERTRUDE. After our departure. My brother and I leave early tomorrow
morning.
ST. OLPHERTS. [After a brief pause, imperturbably.] A thousand thanks.
May I impose myself so far upon you as to ask you to tell your landlord
to expect me? [Taking up his hat and stick.] We are allowing this soup
to get cold. [Joining LUCAS.] Dear Lucas, you have something to say to
me--?
LUCAS. [Opening the door.] Come into my room. [They go out. The two
women look at each other significantly.]
AGNES. You're a splendid woman.
GERTRUDE. That's rather a bad man, I think. Now, dear--[She places
AGNES on the settee, and sets the soup, &c., before her. AGNES eats.]
GERTRUDE. [Watching her closely.] So you have succeeded in coming to
close quarters, as you expressed it, with him.
AGNES. [Taciturnly.] Yes.
GERTRUDE. His second visit here today, I gather.
AGNES. Yes.
GERTRUDE. His attitude towards you--his presence here under any
circumstances--it's all rather queer.
AGNES. His code of behaviour is peculiarly his own.
GERTRUDE. However, you are easier in your mind?
AGNES. [Quietly, but with intensity.] I shall defeat him. I shall
defeat him.
GERTRUDE. Defeat him? You will succeed in holding Mr. Cleeve, you mean?