selves to abide by Sir Julian's decision.

EARL OF DRUMDURRIS.

Naturally.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Pray tell me the cause of dispute.

DOWAGER.

The future of their child.

EGIDIA.

Ah, yes.

DOWAGER.

The adjustment of the career he is to follow.

EARL OF DRUMDURRIS.

That is precisely it.

DOWAGER.

[To DRUMDURRIS.] Where is Fergus?

EARL OF DRUMDURRIS.

He accompanied us.

EGIDIA.

He is with Angele in the next room.

DOWAGER.

[Calling at the door.] Angele! Angele!

ANGELE.

[Outside.] Miladi?

DOWAGER.

Bring Lord Aberbrothock here.

[ANGELE a French nurse, characteristically attired, enters, carrying a
richly-dressed infant. DRUMDURRIS and EGIDIA look into its face
together.]

ANGELE.

Figurez-vous, milord, qu'il a dormi pendant tout le trajet! et puis
quand je suis descendue de voiture, il s'est reveille en pleurant ... ah
mais, en pleurant!

DOWAGER.

Give me Lord Aberbrothock. [She takes the child from Angele.] Wait in
the next room, Angele.

ANGELE.

Yes, miladi. J'espere bien que Monsieur le Vicomte ne va plus crier, car
ca pourrait faire de la peine a sa grand'maman. [ANGELE goes out.]

DOWAGER.

Now, Julian, this is the point. You see Fergus. Politics or the Army?

EGIDIA.

Politics.

EARL OF DRUMDURRIS.

The Army.

DOWAGER.

Pray speak, Julian.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Er--um--perhaps it would be rather precipitate----

EGIDIA.

I differ entirely. The child's intelligence must be directed into a
particular channel from the beginning.

EARL OF DRUMDURRIS.

In that I heartily concur. For instance, the question of toys is already
most urgent.

EGIDIA.

He is without playthings at present, so his mind is quite open.

DOWAGER.

You appear to have no views, Julian.

EGIDIA.

Lady Drumdurris, let Sir Julian look at the height and character of
Fergus's brow.

EARL OF DRUMDURRIS.

Pray do. It's a soldier's forehead.

DOWAGER.

Julian. [She hands the infant to SIR JULIAN.]

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

Thank you. Politics or the Army? [Addressing the child in his arms.] My
dear Fergus, take my advice, not, _not_ politics.

EGIDIA.

Ah!

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

If you attach any trifling importance to veracity as a habit, _not_
politics. If you would care at any time upon any subject to form your
own opinions, and having formed them, would wish to maintain them, _not_
politics. If you desire to be of the smallest service to your fel