SCENE XXVII. (_continued_).--_The Chinese Drawing Room.

_Sir Rupert_ (_to_ TREDWELL). Well, what is it?

_Tredwell_ (_in an undertone_). With reference to the party, Sir RUPERT, as represents himself to have come down to see the 'orse, I----

_Sir Rup._ (_aloud_). You mean Mr. SPURRELL? It's all right. Mr. SPURRELL will see the horse to-morrow. (TREDWELL _disguises his utter bewilderment_.) By the way, we expected a Mr.----What did you say the name was, my dear?... UNDERSHELL? To be sure, a Mr. UNDERSHELL, to have been here in time for dinner. Do you know why he has been unable to come before this?

_Tred._ (_to himself_). Do I know? Oh, Lor! (_Aloud._) I--I believe he _have_ arrived, Sir RUPERT.

_Sir Rup._ So I understand from Mr. SPURRELL. Is he here still?

_Tred._ He is, Sir RUPERT. I--I considered it my dooty not to allow him to leave the house, not feeling----

_Sir Rup._ Quite right, TREDWELL. I should have been most seriously annoyed if I had found that a guest we were all anxiously expecting had left the Court, owing to some fancied----Where is he now?

_Tred._ (_faintly_). In--in the Verney Chamber. Leastways----

_Sir Rup._ Ah. (_He glances at_ SPURRELL.) Then where----? But that can be arranged. Go up and explain to Mr. UNDERSHELL that we have only this moment heard of his arrival; say we understand that he has been obliged to come by a later train, and that we shall be delighted to see him, just as he is.

_Spurrell_ (_to himself_). He was worth looking at just as he _was_, when _I_ saw him!

_Tred._ Very good, Sir RUPERT. (_To himself, as he departs._) If I'm not precious careful over this job, it may cost me my situation!

_Spurr._ Sir RUPERT, I've been thinking that, after what's occurred, it would probably be more satisfactory to all parties if I shifted my quarters, and--and took my meals in the Housekeeper's Room.

[Lady MAISIE _and_ Lady RHODA _utter inarticulate protests_.

_Sir Rup._ My _dear_ Sir, not on any account--couldn't _hear_ of it! My wife, I'm sure, will say the same.

_Lady Culverin_ (_with an effort_). I hope Mr. SPURRELL will continue to be our guest precisely as before--that is, if he will forgive us for putting him into another room----

_Spurr._ (_to himself_). It's no use; I _can't_ get rid of 'em; they stick to me like a lot of highly-bred burrs! (_Aloud, in despair._) Your ladyship is very good, but----Well, the fact is, I've only just found out that a young lady I've long been deeply attached to is in this very house. She's a Miss EMMA PHILLIPSON--maid, so I understand, to Lady MAISIE--and, without for one moment wishing to draw any comparisons, or to seem ungrateful for all the friendliness I've received, I really and truly would feel myself more comfortable in a circle where I could enjoy rather more of my EMMA'S society!

_Sir Rup._ (_immensely relieved_). Perfectly natural! and--hum--sorry as we are to lose you, Mr. SPURRELL, we--ah--mustn't be inconsiderate enough to keep you here a moment longer. I daresay you will find the young lady in the Housekeeper's Room--anyone will tell you where it is.... Good-night to you, then: and, remember, we shall expect to see you in the field on Tuesday.

_Lady Maisie._ Good-night, Mr. SPURRELL, and--and I'm so very glad--about EMMA, you know. I hope you will both be very happy.

[_She shakes hands warmly._

_Lady Rhoda._ So do I. And mind you don't forget about that liniment, you know.

_Captain Thicknesse_ (_to himself_). MAISIE don't care a hang! And I was ass enough to fancy----But there, that's all over now!