_Lord Strath._ Extremely sorry--don't know why it should. (_To himself._) Queer little chap my host. Don't _look_ the Egyptologist exactly. And where does he keep all his things? Downstairs, I suppose. (_He turns, and recognises_ Miss SEATON.) MARJORY SEATON--here! and I've been trying to hear something of her ever since I came back from Gizeh--this _is_ luck! (_To her._) How do you do, Miss SEATON? No idea we should meet like this! _Miss Seaton_ (_in a low constrained voice_). Nor I, Mr. CLAYMORE. [Mr. TIDMARSH _catches his Wife's eye, and crosses to her._ _Mrs. Tid._ (_sotto voce_). MONTAGUE, isn't it time you introduced me to this Lord Whatever-it-is? As the person of highest rank here, he certainly ought to take _me_ in! [Illustration: "I look upon him simply as a human being."] _Mr. Tid._ He's _done_ it, MARIA. He's no more a Lord than I am. Miss SEATON knows him--I just heard her call him "Mr. CLAYTON," or some name like that! _Mrs. Tid._ (_aghast._) So _this_ is the sort of person you _would_ go and engage! He'll be found out, MONTAGUE, I can see Uncle edging up towards him already. And anyhow, you know what his opinions are. A pretty scrape you've got us into! Don't stand gaping--bring the man up to me this minute--I must give him a hint to be careful. (_Lord S. is led up and presented._) Sit down here, please, in this corner, Lord--(_with a vicious emphasis_)--STRATH-_BLANKLEY_. (Lord. S. _obeys in mild amazement._) Really, my husband and I were _hardly_ prepared for so _aristocratic_ a guest--we are such plain humdrum people that a title--a _real_ title like your _lordship's_--ahoo!--(_with an acid titter_)--is, well--_rather_ overwhelming. I only hope you will be able to--er--sustain it, or otherwise---- _Lord Strath._ (_lifting his eyebrows._) Am I to understand that you did not expect me, after all? Because, if so,--I---- _Mrs. Tid._ Oh, yes, we _expected_ you, and of course, you will be treated exactly the same as everybody else--except--I don't know if my husband warned you about not touching the champagne? No? Oh, well, you will drink _claret_ please, _not_ champagne. I daresay you prefer it. _Lord Strath._ Thank you, I should indeed--if you have any misgivings about your champagne. _Mrs. Tid._ We must draw _some_ distinction between you and our regular guests, as I'm sure you'll understand. _Lord Strath._ (_to himself._) Poor devils--if they only knew! But what an unspeakable snob this woman is! I'd give something to get out of this house--if it wasn't for MARJORY. I must have a word with her before dinner--strikes me she's put out with me about something or other. _Mrs. Gilwattle_ (_to her Husband_). Did you ever see anything like the way MARIA'S talking to that young nobleman, GABRIEL? as easy and composed as if she'd kept such company all her life--it's a wonder how she can _do_ it!