_Sir Rupert._ Well, my dear, you see he is still here--er--fortunately for us. If you'll excuse me, I'll leave Mr. Blair to entertain you; got to speak to Adams about something. [_He hurries out._ _Undershell_ (_to himself_). This must be Lady Maisie's mamma. Better be civil to her, I suppose; but I can't stay here and entertain her long! (_Aloud._) Lady Cantire, I--er--have an appointment for which I am already a little late; but before I go, I should like to tell you how much pleasure it has given me to know that my poor verse has won your approval; appreciation from---- _Lady Cantire._ I'm afraid you must have been misinformed, Mr.--a--Blair. There are so many serious publications claiming attention in these days of literary over-production that I have long made it a rule to read no literature of a lighter order that has not been before the world for at least ten years. I may be mistaken, but I infer from your appearance that your own work must be of a considerably more recent date. _Undershell_ (_to himself_). If she imagines she's going to snub Me----! (_Aloud._) Then I was evidently mistaken in gathering from some expressions in your daughter's letter that---- _Lady Cantire._ Entirely. You are probably thinking of some totally different person, as my daughter has never mentioned having written to you, and is not in the habit of conducting _any_ correspondence without my full knowledge and approval. I think you said you had some appointment; if so, pray don't consider yourself under any necessity to remain here. _Undershell._ You are very good; I will not. (_To himself, as he retires._) Awful old lady, that! I quite thought she would know all about that letter, or I should never have---- However, I said nothing to compromise any one, luckily! _Lady Culverin_ (_entering_). Good morning, Rohesia. So glad you felt equal to coming down. I was almost afraid--after _last night_, you know. _Lady Cantire_ (_offering a cold cheekbone for salutation_). I am in my usual health, thank you, Albinia. As to last night, if you _must_ ask a literary Socialist down here, you might at least see that he is received with common courtesy. You may, for anything _you_ can tell, have advanced the Social Revolution ten years in a single evening! _Lady Culverin._ My _dear_ Rohesia! If you remember, it was you yourself who----! _Lady Cantire_ (_closing her eyes_). I am in no condition to _argue_ about it, Albinia. The slightest exercise of your own common sense would have shown you---- But there, no great harm has been done, fortunately, so let us say no more about it. I have something more agreeable to talk about. I've every reason to hope that Maisie and dear Gerald Thicknesse---- _Lady Culverin_ (_astonished_). Maisie? But I thought Gerald Thicknesse spoke as if----!