SCENE VI.--_A First-Class Compartment.

_Lady Maisie_ (_to herself_). Poets don't seem to have much self-possession. He seems perfectly overcome by hearing my name like that. If only he doesn't lose his head completely and say something about my wretched letter!

_Spurrell_ (_to himself_). I'd better tell 'em before they find out for themselves. (_Aloud; desperately._) My lady, I--I feel I ought to explain at once how I come to be going down to Wyvern like this.

[Lady MAISIE _only just suppresses a terrified protest_.

_Lady Cantire_ (_benignly amused_). My good Sir, there's not the slightest necessity, I am perfectly aware of who you are, and everything about you!

_Spurr._ (_incredulously_). But really I don't see _how_ your ladyship----Why, I haven't said a _word_ that----

_Lady Cant._ (_with a solemn waggishness_). Celebrities who mean to preserve their _incognito_ shouldn't allow their friends to see them off. I happened to hear a certain _Andromeda_ mentioned, and that was quite enough for Me!

_Spurr._ (_to himself, relieved_). She knows; seen the sketch of me in the _Dog Fancier_, I expect; goes in for breeding bulls herself, very likely. Well, that's a load off my mind! (_Aloud._) You don't say so, my lady. I'd no idea your ladyship would have any taste that way; most agreeable surprise to me, I can assure you!

_Lady Cant._ I see no reason for _surprise_ in the matter. I have always endeavoured to cultivate my taste in all directions; to keep in touch with every modern development. I make it a rule to read and see _everything_. Of course, I have no time to give more than a rapid glance at most things; but I hope some day to be able to have another look at your _Andromeda_. I hear the most glowing accounts from all the judges.

_Spurr._ (_to himself_). She knows all the judges! She _must_ be in the fancy! (_Aloud._) Any time your ladyship likes to name I shall be proud and happy to bring her round for your inspection.

_Lady Cant._ (_with condescension_). If you are kind enough to offer me a copy of _Andromeda_, I shall be _most_ pleased to possess one.

_Spurr._ (_to himself_). Sharp old customer, this; trying to rush me for a pup. _I_ never offered her one! (_Aloud._) Well, as to _that_, my lady, I've promised so many already, that really I don't--but there--I'll see what I can _do_ for you. I'll make a note of it; you mustn't mind having to _wait_ a bit.

_Lady Cant._ (_raising her eyebrows_). I will make an effort to support existence in the meantime.

_Lady Maisie_ (_to herself_). I couldn't have believed that the man who could write such lovely verses should be so--well, not _exactly_ a gentleman! How _petty_ of me to have such thoughts. Perhaps geniuses never _are_. And as if it _mattered_! And I'm sure he's very natural and simple, and I shall like him when I know him.

[_The train slackens._

_Lady Cant._ What station is this? Oh, it _is_ Shuntingbridge. (_To_ SPURRELL, _as they get out._) Now, if you'll kindly take charge of these bags, and go and see whether there's anything from Wyvern to meet us--you will find us here when you come back.