_Undershell_ (_with pathos_). Don't--_don't_ be afraid to talk to me! If you only knew the comfort you give! I have found life very sad, very solitary. And true sympathy is so rare, so refreshing. I--I fear such an appeal from a stranger may seem a little startling; it is true that hitherto we have only exchanged a very few sentences; and yet already I feel that we have something--much--in common. You can't be so cruel as to let all intimacy cease here--it is quite tantalising enough that it must end so soon. A very few more minutes, and this brief episode will be only a memory; I shall have left the little green oasis far behind me, and be facing the dreary desert once more--alone! _His Fellow Passenger_ (_laughing_). Well, of all the uncomplimentary things! As it happens, though, "the little green oasis"--as you're kind enough to call me--_won't_ be left behind; not if it's aware of it! I think I heard your friend mention Wyvern Court! Well, that's where _I'm_ going. _Undershell_ (_excitedly_). You--_you_ are going to Wyvern Court! Why, then, you must be---- [_He checks himself._ _His Fellow Passenger._ What were you going to say; _what_ must I be? _Undershell_ (_to himself_). There is no doubt about it; bright, independent girl; gloves a trifle worn; travels second-class for economy; it must be Miss Mull herself; her letter mentioned Lady Culverin as her aunt. A poor relation, probably. She doesn't suspect that I am---- I won't reveal myself just yet; better let it dawn upon her gradually. (_Aloud._) Why, I was only about to say, why then you must be going to the same house as I am. How extremely fortunate a coincidence! _His Fellow Passenger._ That remains to be seen. (_To herself._) What a funny little man; such a flowery way of talking for a footman. Oh, but I forgot; he said he _wasn't_ going to wear livery. Well, he _would_ look a sight in it! PART V CROSS PURPOSES _In 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! _Spurrell_ (_incredulously_). But really I don't see _how_ your ladyship---- Why, I haven't said a _word_ that---- _Lady Cantire_ (_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!