_Phillipson._ At her Grace's? I'm afraid you're thinking of somebody else. (_She crosses to_ Mrs. POMFRET.) Mrs. Pomfret, what's become of the gentleman I travelled down with--the horse doctor? I do hope he means to come in; he would amuse _you_, Mr. Steptoe. I never heard anybody go on like him; he _did_ make me laugh so! _Mrs. Pomfret._ I really can't say _where_ he is, my dear. I sent up word to let him know he was welcome here whenever he pleased; but perhaps he's feeling a little shy about coming down. _Phillipson._ Oh, I don't think he suffers much from _that_. (_As the door opens._) Ah, _there_ he is! _Mrs. Pomfret_ (_rising, with dignity, to receive_ UNDERSHELL, _who enters in obvious embarrassment_). Come in, sir. I'm glad to see you've found your way down at last. Let me see, I haven't the advantage of knowing your--Mr. Undershell, _to_ be sure! Well, Mr. Undershell, we're very pleased to see you. I hope you'll make yourself quite at home. Her ladyship gave particular directions that we was to look after you--_most_ particular she was! _Undershell._ You are very good, ma'am. I am obliged to Lady Culverin for her (_with a gulp_) condescension. But I shall not trespass more than a short time upon your hospitality. _Mrs. Pomfret._ Don't speak of it as trespassing, sir. It's not often we have a gentleman of your profession as a visitor, but you are none the less welcome. Now I'd better introduce you all round, and then you won't feel yourself a stranger. Miss Phillipson you _have_ met, I know. [_She introduces him to the others in turn_; UNDERSHELL _bows helplessly_. _Steptoe_ (_with urbanity_). Your fame, sir, has preceded you. And you'll find us a very friendly and congenial little circle on a better acquaintance--if this is your first experience of this particular form of society? _Undershell_ (_to himself_). I mustn't be stiff, I'll put them at their ease. (_Aloud._) Why, I must admit, Mr. Steptoe, that I have never before had the privilege of entering the--(_with an ingratiating smile all round him_) the "Pugs' Parlour," as I understand you call this very charming room. [_The company draw themselves up and cough in disapprobation._ _Steptoe_ (_very stiffly_). Pardon _me_, sir, you have been totally misinformed. Such an expression is not current _here_. _Mrs. Pomfret_ (_more stiffly still_). It is never alluded to in _my_ presence except as the 'ousekeeper's room, which is the right and proper name for it. There may be some other term for it in the servants' 'all for anything _I_ know to the contrary--but, if you'll excuse me for saying so, Mr. Undershell, we'd prefer for it not to be repeated in _our_ presence. _Undershell_ (_confusedly_). I--I beg ten thousand pardons. (_To himself._) To be pulled up like this for trying to be genial--it's really _too_ humiliating!