_Spurrell._ I assure you, I didn't go a step beyond the most ordinary civility. You're not going to be jealous because I promised I'd give her a liniment for one of her dogs, are you? _Phillipson._ Liniment! You always _were_ a flirt, James! But I'm not jealous. I've met a very nice-spoken young man while I've been here; he sat next to me at supper, and paid me the most beautiful compliments, and was most polite and attentive--though he hasn't got as far as liniment, at present. _Spurrell._ But, Emma, you're not going to take up with some other fellow just when we've come together again? _Phillipson._ If you call it "coming together," when I'm down in the housekeeper's room, and you're up above, carrying on with ladies of title! _Spurrell._ Do you want to drive me frantic? As if I could help being where I am! How could I know _you_ were here? _Phillipson._ At all events, you know _now_, James. And it's for you to choose between your smart lady friends and me. If you're fit company for them, you're too grand for one of their maids. _Spurrell._ My dear girl, don't be unreasonable! I'm expected back in the drawing-room, and I _can't_ throw 'em over now all of a sudden without giving offence. There's the interests of the firm to consider, and it's not for me to take a lower place than I'm given. But it's only for a night or two, and you don't really suppose I wouldn't rather be where you are if I was free to choose--but I'm _not_, Emma, that's the worst of it! _Phillipson._ Well, go back to the drawing-room, then; don't keep Lady Rhoda waiting for her liniment on my account. I ought to be in my ladies' rooms by this time. Only don't be surprised if, whenever you _are_ free to choose, you find you've come back just too late--that's all! [_She turns to leave him._ _Spurrell_ (_detaining her_). Emma, I won't let you go like this! Not before you've told me where I can meet you again here. _Phillipson._ There's no place that I know of--except the housekeeper's room; and of course you couldn't descend so low as that.... James, there's somebody coming! Let go my hand--do you want to lose me my character! [_Steps and voices are heard at the other end of the passage; she frees herself, and escapes._ _Spurrell_ (_attempting to follow_). But, Emma, stop one---- She's gone!... Confound it, there's the butler and a page-boy coming! It's no use staying up here any longer. (_To himself, as he goes downstairs._) It's downright _torture_--that's what it is! To be tied by the leg in the drawing-room, doing the civil to a lot of girls I don't care a blow about; and to know that all the time some blarneying beggar downstairs is doing his best to rob me of my Emma! Flesh and blood can't stand it; and yet I'm blest if I see any way out of it without offending 'em all round. [_He enters the Chinese Drawing-room._ _In the Chinese Drawing-room._