_The Bishop._ I did not refer to the setting of the tale, and the portions I object to are scarcely trifles. But pardon me if I prefer to end a discussion that is somewhat unprofitable. (_To himself, as he turns on his heel._) A most arrogant, self-satisfied, and conceited young man--a truly lamentable product of this half-educated age! _Spurr._ (_to himself_). Well, he may be a dab at dogmas--he don't know much about dogs. _Drummy_'s got a constitution worth a dozen of _his_! _Lady Culv._ (_approaching him_). Oh, Mr. SPURRELL, Lord LULLINGTON wishes to know you. If you will come with me. (_To herself, as she leads him up to_ Lord L.) I do _wish_ ROHESIA wouldn't force me to do this sort of thing! [_She presents him._ _Lord Lullington_ (_to himself_). I suppose I _ought_ to know all about his novel, or whatever it is he's done. (_Aloud, with courtliness._) Very pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. SPURRELL; you've--ah--delighted the world by your _Andromeda_. When are we to look for your next production? Soon, I hope. _Spurr._ (_to himself_). He's after a pup now! Never met such a doggy lot in my life! (_Aloud._) Er--well, my lord, I've promised so many as it is, that I hardly see my way to---- _Lord Lull._ (_paternally_). Take my advice, my dear young man, leave yourself as free as possible. Expect you to give us your best, you know. [_He turns to continue a conversation._ _Spurr._ (_to himself_). _Give_ it! He won't get it under a five-pound note, I can tell him. (_He makes his way to_ Miss SPELWANE.) I say, what do you think the old Bishop's been up to? Pitching into _Andromeda_ like the very dooce--says she's _sickly_! _Miss Spelwane_ (_to herself_). He brings his literary disappointments to _me_, not MAISIE! (_Aloud, with the sweetest sympathy._) How dreadfully unjust! Oh, I've dropped my fan--no, pray don't trouble; I can pick it up. My arms are so long, you know--like a kangaroo's--no, what _is_ that animal which has such long arms? You're so clever, you _ought_ to know! _Spurr._ I suppose you mean a gorilla? _Miss Spelw._ How crushing of you! But you must go away now, or else you'll find nothing to say to me at dinner--you take me in, you know. I hope you feel privileged. I feel----But if I told you, I might make you too conceited! _Spurr._ Oh, no, you wouldn't. [Sir RUPERT _approaches with_ Mr. SHORTHORN. _Sir Rupert._ VIVIEN, my dear, let me introduce Mr. SHORTHORN--Miss SPELWANE. (_To_ SPURRELL.) Let me see--ha--yes, you take in Mrs. CHATTERIS. Don't know her? Come this way, and I'll find her for you. [_He marches_ SPURRELL _off._ _Mr. Shorthorn_ (_to_ Miss SPELWANE). Good thing getting this rain at last; a little more of this dry weather and we should have had no grass to speak of! _Miss Spelw._ (_who has not quite recovered from her disappointment_). And now you _will_ have some grass to speak of? _How_ fortunate!