_Spurrell_ (_to himself_). My word, what a room! Carpet hung all over the walls, big fourposter, carved ceiling, great fireplace with blazing logs,--if this is how they do a _vet_ here, what price the _other_ fellows' rooms? And to think I shall have to do without dinner, just when I was getting on with 'em all so swimmingly! I _must_. I can't, for the credit of the profession--to say nothing of the firm--turn up in a monkey jacket and tweed bags, and that's all _I've_ got except a nightgown!... It's all very well for Lady Maisie to say, "Take everything as it comes," but if she was in _my_ fix!... And it isn't as if I hadn't _got_ dress things either. If only I'd brought 'em down, I'd have marched in to dinner as cool as a---- (_he lights a pair of candles._) Hullo! What's that on the bed? (_He approaches it._) Shirt! white tie! socks! coat, waistcoat, trousers--they _are_ dress clothes!... And here's a pair of brushes on the table! I'll swear they're not _mine_--there's a monogram on them--"U.G." What does it all mean? Why, of course! regular old trump, Sir Rupert, and naturally he wants me to do him credit. He saw how it was, and he's gone and rigged me out! In a house like this, they're ready for emergencies--keep all sizes in stock, I dare say.... It isn't "U.G." on the brushes--it's "G.U."--"Guest's Use." Well, this is what I call doing the thing in style! _Cinderella's_ nothing to it! Only hope they're a decent fit. (_Later, as he dresses._) Come, the shirt's all right; trousers a trifle short--but they'll let down; waistcoat--whew, must undo the buckle--hang it, it _is_ undone! I feel like a hooped barrel in it! Now the coat--easy does it. Well, it's _on_; but I shall have to be peeled like a walnut to get it off again.... Shoes? ah, here they are--pair of pumps. Phew--must have come from the Torture Exhibition in Leicester Square; glass slippers nothing to 'em! But they'll have to do at a pinch; and they _do_ pinch like blazes! Ha, ha, that's good! I must tell that to the Captain. (_He looks at himself in a mirror._) Well, I can't say they're up to mine for cut and general style; but they're passable. And now I'll go down to the drawing-room and get on terms with all the smarties! [_He saunters out with restored complacency._ PART IX THE MAUVAIS QUART D'HEURE _In the Chinese Drawing-room at Wyvern._ TIME--7.50. Lady CULVERIN _is alone, glancing over a written list_.