_Tredwell_ (_crushingly_). That I did not take the liberty of inquiring, sir, as you might be aware if you was a little more familiar with the hetiquette of good society. [UNDERSHELL _collapses_; Mr. ADAMS _enters, and steps into the chair vacated by the Chef, next to_ Mrs. POMFRET, _with whom he converses_. _Undershell_ (_to himself_). To think that they may be discussing my book in the drawing-room at this very moment, while I--I---- (_He chokes._) Ah, it won't bear thinking of! I must--I _will_ get out of this accursed place! I have stood this too long as it is! But I won't go till I have seen this fellow Spurrell, and made him give me back my things. What's the time? ... ten! I can go at last. (_He rises._) Mrs. Pomfret, will you kindly excuse me? I--I find I must go at once. _Mrs. Pomfret._ Well, Mr. Undershell, sir, you're the best judge; and, if you really can't stop, this is Mr. Adams, who'll take you round to the stables himself, and do anything that's necessary. Won't you, Mr. Adams? _Adams._ So you're off to-night, sir, are you? Well, I'd rather ha' shown you Deerfoot by daylight, myself; but there, I dessay that won't make much difference to _you_, so long as you _do_ see the 'orse? _Undershell_ (_to himself_). So Deerfoot's a _horse_! One of the features of Wyvern, I suppose; they seem very anxious I shouldn't miss it. _I_ don't want to see the beast; but I dare say it won't take many minutes; and, if I don't humour this man, I shan't get a conveyance to go away in! (_Aloud._) No difference whatever--to _me_. I shall be delighted to be shown Deerfoot; only I really can't wait _much_ longer; I--I've an appointment elsewhere! _Adams._ Right, sir; you get your 'at and coat, and come along with me, and you shall see him at once. [UNDERSHELL _takes a hasty farewell of_ Miss PHILLIPSON _and the company generally--none of whom attempts to detain him--and follows his guide. As the door closes upon them, he hears a burst of stifled merriment, amidst which_ Miss PHILLIPSON'S _laughter is only too painfully recognisable_. PART XIV LE VÉTÉRINAIRE MALGRÉ LUI _Outside the Stables at Wyvern._ TIME--_About_ 10 P.M. _Undershell_ (_to himself, as he follows_ ADAMS). Now is my time to arrange about getting away from here. (_To_ ADAMS.) By the bye, I suppose you can let me have a conveyance of some sort--after I've seen the horse? I--I'm rather in a hurry. _Adams._ You'd better speak to Mr. Checkley about that, sir; it ain't in _my_ department, you see. I'll fetch him round, if you'll wait here a minute; he'd like to hear what you think about the 'orse. [_He goes off to the coachman's quarters._ _Undershell_ (_alone_). A very civil fellow this; he seems quite anxious to show me this animal! There must be _something_ very remarkable about it. [ADAMS _returns with_ CHECKLEY.