_Lady Maisie_ (_to herself, exasperated_). He dares to imply that _I_'ve done something to be ashamed of! (_Aloud, haughtily._) I'm _not_ ashamed--why _should_ I be? Only--oh, can't you _really_ understand that--that one may do things which one wouldn't care to be reminded of publicly? I don't _wish_ it--isn't _that_ enough? _Spurrell_ (_to himself_). I see what she's at now--doesn't want it to come out that she's travelled down here with a vet! (_Aloud, stiffly._) A lady's wish is enough for _me_ at any time. If you're sorry for having gone out of your way to be friendly, why, I'm not the person to take advantage of it. I hope I know how to behave. [_He takes refuge in offended silence._ _Lady Maisie_ (_to herself_). Why did I say anything at all! I've only made things worse--I've let him see that he _has_ an advantage. And he's certain to use it sooner or later--unless I am civil to him. I've offended him now--and I shall _have_ to make it up with him! _Spurrell_ (_to himself_). I thought all along she didn't seem as chummy as her mother--but to turn round on me like this! _Lady Cantire_ (_waking up_). Well, Mr. Andromeda, I should have thought you and my daughter might have found _some_ subject in common; but I haven't heard a word from either of you since we left the station. _Lady Maisie_ (_to herself_). That's _some_ comfort! (_Aloud._) You must have had a nap, mamma. We--we _have_ been talking. _Spurrell._ Oh yes, we _have_ been talking, I can assure you, Lady Cantire! _Lady Cantire._ Dear me. Well, Maisie, I hope the conversation was entertaining? _Lady Maisie._ M--most entertaining, mamma! _Lady Cantire._ I'm quite sorry I missed it. (_The omnibus stops._) Wyvern at last! But _what_ a journey it's been, to be sure! _Spurrell_ (_to himself_). I should just think it had. I've never been so taken up and put down in all my life! But it's over now; and, thank goodness, I'm not likely to see any more of 'em! [_He gets out with alacrity._ PART VI ROUND PEGS IN SQUARE HOLES _In the Entrance Hall at Wyvern._ _Tredwell_ (_to_ Lady CANTIRE). This way, if you please, my lady. Her ladyship is in the Hamber Boudwore. _Lady Cantire._ Wait. (_She looks round._) What has become of that young Mr. Androm----? (_Perceiving_ SPURRELL, _who has been modestly endeavouring to efface himself_.) Ah, _there_ he is! Now, come along, and be presented to my sister-in-law. She'll be enchanted to know you! _Spurrell._ But indeed, my lady, I--I think I'd better wait till she sends for me. _Lady Cantire._ Wait? Fiddlesticks! What! A famous young man like you! Remember _Andromeda_, and don't make yourself so ridiculous! _Spurrell_ (_miserably_). Well, Lady Cantire, if her ladyship _says_ anything, I hope you'll bear me out that it wasn't---- _Lady Cantire._ Bear you out? My good young man, you seem to need somebody to bear you _in_! Come, you are under _my_ wing. _I_ answer for your welcome--so do as you're told.