Very good - excellent! That will conclude our lesson for to-day. As a reward for your good conduct I will now communicate to you a piece of information which I feel sure you will receive with feelings of the liveliest satisfaction. The law-suit, which, since the somewhat abrupt departure of Mistress Dorothy with a handsomer - ahem! - with another gentleman - I have been prosecuting with the utmost vigour, has at last been terminated in my favour. This hall and these estates now vest in me. Though with my usual good taste I have not insisted on the immediate evacuation of my cousin, Sir George, and his good lady, from this day forth I am the Lord of Haddon - I alone.

My announcement has not been received with the cordiality which I had a right to expect. I have always understood that on such an occasion it was customary for retainers, servants, peasants, etc., to break out in a chorus expressive of delight and admiration. (Glances at CHORUS.) I have evidently been misinformed.

'Tis my fair cousin!

Sir, without waste of words, it is not our purpose to intrude longer on thy hospitality. My husband awaits thee in the Eagle Tower, prepared to yield to thee the muniments of Haddon and to say farewell.

I will attend him instantly. (exit)

(turning to DORCAS) And farewell thou. And all of you.

Our hearts go with thee.

And ours stay with you - bruised, but not broken. We are Vernons still.