_Undershell_ (_bitterly, to himself_). And this is our aristocracy! They make a bosom friend of a breeder of dogs; and find a poet only fit to associate with their servants! What a theme for a satirist! (_Aloud._) I see nothing to wonder at. You possess precisely the social qualifications most likely to appeal to the leisured class. _Spurrell._ Oh, there's a lot of humbug in it, mind you! Most of 'em know about as much of the points of a bull as the points of a compass, only they let on to know a lot because they think it's smart. And some of 'em are after a pup from old Drummy's next litter. _I_ see through all that, you know! _Undershell._ You are a cynic, I observe, sir. But possibly the nature of the business which brings you here renders them---- _Spurrell._ That's the rummest thing about it. I haven't heard a word about that yet. I'm in the veterinary profession, you know. Well, they sent for me to see some blooming horse, and never even ask me to go near it! Seems odd, don't it? _Undershell_ (_to himself_). _I_ had to go near the blooming horse! Now I begin to understand; the very servants did not expect to find a professional vet in any company but their own! (_Aloud._) I--I trust that the horse will not suffer through any delay. _Spurrell._ So do I; but how do I know that some ignorant duffer mayn't be treating him for the wrong thing? It may be all up with the animal before I get a chance of seeing what I can do? _Undershell_ (_to himself_). If he knew how near I went to getting the poor beast shot! But I needn't mention that now. _Spurrell._ I don't say it isn't gratifying to be treated like a swell, but I've got my professional reputation to consider, you know; and if they're going to take up all my time talking about Andromeda---- _Undershell_ (_with a start_). Andromeda! They have been talking about Andromeda? To you! Then it's _you_ who---- _Spurrell._ Haven't I been telling you? I should just jolly well think they _have_ been talking about her! So you didn't know my bull's name was Andromeda before, eh? But _you_ seem to have heard of her, too! _Undershell_ (_slowly_). I--I _have_ heard of Andromeda--yes. [_He drops into a chair, dazed._ _Spurrell_ (_complacently_). It's curious how that bitch's fame seems to have spread. Why, even the old Bishop---- But, I say, you're looking rather queer; anything the matter with you, old fellow? _Undershell_ (_faintly_). Nothing--nothing. I--I feel a little giddy, that's all. I shall be better presently. [_He conceals his face._ _Spurrell_ (_in concern_). It was having that basket down on your head like that. Too bad! Here, I'll get you some water. (_He bustles about._) I don't know if you're aware of it, old chap, but you're in a regular _dooce_ of a mess!