_Tredwell_ (_in perturbation_). I think, Mr. Undershell, sir, in common fairness, you'll admit as you've mainly yourself to thank for any mistakes that have occurred; for which I 'asten to express my pussonal regret. _Undershell._ So long as you realise that you have made a mistake, I am willing to overlook it, on condition that you help me to get away from this place without your master and mistress's knowledge. _Tredwell._ It's too late, sir. They know you're 'ere! _Undershell._ They know! Then there's no time to be lost. I must leave this moment! _Tredwell._ No, sir, excuse me; but you can't hardly do that _now_. I was to say that Sir Rupert and the ladies would be glad to see you in the droring-room himmediate. _Undershell._ Man alive! do you imagine anything would induce me to meet them now, after the humiliations I have been compelled to suffer under this roof? _Tredwell._ If you would prefer anything that has taken place in the room, sir, or in the stables to be 'ushed up---- _Undershell._ Prefer it! If it were only possible! But they know--they _know_! What's the use of talking like that? _Tredwell_ (_to himself_). I know where I am now! (_Aloud._) They know nothink up to the present, Mr. Undershell, nor yet I see no occasion why they should--leastwise from any of _Us_. _Undershell._ But they know I'm here; how am I to account for all the time----? _Tredwell._ Excuse me, sir. I thought of that, and it occurred to me as it might be more agreeable to your feelings, sir, if I conveyed an impression that you had only just arrived--'aving missed your train, sir. _Undershell_ (_overjoyed_). How am I to thank you? that was really most discreet of you--most considerate! _Tredwell._ I am truly rejoiced to hear you say so, sir. And I'll take care nothing leaks out. And if you'll be kind enough to follow me to the droring-room, the ladies are waiting to see you. _Undershell_ (_to himself_). I may actually meet Lady Maisie Mull after all! (_Aloud, recollecting his condition._) But I can't go down like this. I'm in such a horrible mess! _Tredwell._ I reelly don't perceive it, sir; except a little white on your coat-collar behind. Allow me--there it's off now. (_He gives him a hand-glass_) If you'd like to see for yourself. _Undershell_ (_to himself as he looks_). A slight pallor, that's all. I am more presentable than I could have hoped. (_Aloud._) Have the kindness to take me to Lady Culverin at once. _In the Chinese Drawing-room. A few minutes later._ _Sir Rupert_ (_to_ UNDERSHELL, _after the introductions have been gone through_). And so you missed the 4.55 and had to come on by the 7.30 which stops everywhere, eh? _Undershell._ It--it certainly does stop at most stations. _Sir Rupert._ And how did you get on to Wyvern--been here long? _Undershell._ N--not _particularly_ long.