]
[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY kisses ETHEL compassionately on cheek and follows
LADY CREECH off.]
[MARIANO and MICHELE, having cleared the table, exeunt.]
HORACE [hoarse with shame, to PIKE; slight pause after PIKE'S last
speech.] I shall ask her if she will consent to an interview.
PIKE [at same time, astounded]. "Consent to an interview"? Why, I want
to _talk_ to her!
HAWCASTLE [quickly and earnestly to ETHEL]. This shall make no
difference to _us_, my child. Speak to him at once.
[Exit into the hotel.]
PIKE [to HORACE]. Don't you understand? I'm her _guardian_.
HORACE [with a desperate gesture]. I shall never hold up my head again!
[Rushes off.]
VASILI [gravely, to PIKE]. When you have finished your affairs, my
friend, remember my poor car yonder.
[Illustration: "YES, SIR, DANIEL VOORHEES PIKE, ATTORNEY AT LAW, KOKOMO,
INDIANA"]
PIKE [with a melancholy smile]. All right, Doc, I'm kind of confused
just now, but I reckon I can still put a plug back in a gear-box.
VASILI [at same time]. Then _au revoir_, my friend.
[Strolls off through the grove.]
PIKE [watching him go, thoughtfully]. Yes, _sir_!
ETHEL [haughtily, yet with the air of confessing a humiliating truth,
her eyes cast down]. I am Miss Granger-Simpson.
[As she speaks he turns and lifts his hand toward her as if suddenly
startled.
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