_Spurr. (to himself)._ Horse in a bad way; time they let me see it. (_Aloud._) Well, we must see, Sir; I'll do all _I_ can. _Sir Rup._ You see, the shooting's _done_ now. _Spurr. (to himself, professionally piqued)._ They might have waited till I'd seen the horse before they shot him! After calling me in like this! (_Aloud._) Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, Sir RUPERT. I wish I could have got here earlier, I'm sure. _Sir Rup._ Wish we'd asked you a month ago, if you're fond of shooting. Thought you might look down on Sport, perhaps. _Spurr. (to himself)._ Sport? Why, he's talking of _birds_--not the horse! (_Aloud._) Me, Sir RUPERT? Not _much_! I'm as keen on a day's gunning as any man, though I don't often get the chance now. _Sir Rup. (to himself, pleased)._ Come, he don't seem strong against the Game Laws! (_Aloud._) Thought you didn't look as if you sat over your desk all day! There's hunting still, of course. Don't know whether you ride? _Spurr._ Rather so, Sir! Why, I was born and bred in a sporting county, and as long as my old uncle was alive, I could go down to his farm and get a run with the hounds now and again. _Sir Rup. (delighted)._ Capital! Well, our next meet is on Tuesday--best part of the country; nearly all grass, and nice clean post and rails. You must stay over for it. Got a mare that will carry your weight perfectly, and I think I can promise you a run--eh, what do you say? _Spurr. (to himself, in surprise)._ He _is_ a chummy old cock! I'll wire old SPAVIN that I'm detained on biz; and I'll tell 'em to send my riding-breeches down! (_Aloud._) It's uncommonly kind of you, Sir, and I think I can manage to stop on a bit. _Lady Culverin (to herself)._ RUPERT must be out of his senses! It's bad enough to have him here till Monday! (_Aloud._) We mustn't forget, RUPERT, how valuable Mr. SPURRELL'S time is; it would be too selfish of us to detain him here a day longer than---- _Lady Cant._ My dear, Mr. SPURRELL has already said he can _manage_ it; so we may all enjoy his society with a clear conscience. (Lady CULVERIN _conceals her sentiments with difficulty._) And now, ALBINIA, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go to my room and rest a little, as I'm rather fatigued, and you have all these tiresome people coming to dinner to-night. [_She rises, and leaves the room; the other ladies follow her example._ _Lady Culv._ RUPERT, I'm going up now with ROHESIA. You know where we've put Mr. SPURRELL, don't you? The Verney Chamber. [_She goes out._ _Sir Rup._ Take you up now, if you like, Mr. SPURRELL--it's only just seven, though. Suppose you don't take an hour to dress, eh? _Spurr._ Oh dear no, Sir, nothing like it! (_To himself._) Won't take me two minutes as I am now! I'd better tell him--I can say my bag hasn't come. I don't believe it _has_, and, any way, it's a good excuse. (_Aloud._) The--the fact is, Sir RUPERT, I'm afraid that my luggage has been unfortunately left behind.