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.
