_Sir Rup._ No luggage, eh? Well, well, it's of no consequence. But I'll ask about it--I daresay it's all right. [_He goes out._ _Captain Thicknesse_ (_to_ SPURRELL). Sure to have turned up, you know--man will have seen to that. Shouldn't altogether object to a glass of sherry and bitters before dinner. Don't know how _you_ feel--suppose you've a soul _above_ sherry and bitters, though? _Spurr._ Not at this moment. But I'd soon _put_ my soul above a sherry and bitters if I got a chance! _Capt. Thick. (after reflection)._ I say, you know, that's rather smart, eh? (_To himself._) Aw'fly clever sort of chap, this, but not stuck up--not half a bad sort, if he _is_ a bit of a bounder. (_Aloud._) Anythin' in the evenin' paper? Don't get 'em down here. _Spurr._ Nothing much. I see there's an objection to _Monkey-tricks_ for the Grand National. _Capt. Thick. (interested)._ No, by Jove! Hope they won't carry it--meant to have something on him. _Spurr._ I wouldn't back him myself. I know something that's safe to win, bar accidents--a dead cert, Sir! Got the tip straight from the stables. You just take my advice, and pile all you can on _Jumping Joan_. _Capt. Thick. (later, to himself, after a long and highly interesting conversation)._ Thunderin' clever chap--never knew poets _were_ such clever chaps. Might be a "bookie," by Gad! No wonder MAISIE thinks such a lot of him! [_He sighs._ _Sir Rup. (returning)._ Now, Mr. SPURRELL, if you'll come upstairs with me, I'll show you your quarters. By the way, I've made inquiries about your luggage, and I think you'll find it's all right. (_As he leads the way up the staircase._) Rather awkward for you if you'd had to come down to dinner just as you are, eh? _Spurr. (to himself)._ Oh, lor, my beastly bag _has_ come after all! Now they'll _know_ I didn't bring a dress suit. What an owl I was to tell him! (_Aloud, feebly._) Oh--er--very awkward indeed, Sir RUPERT! _Sir Rup. (stopping at a bedroom door)._ Verney Chamber--here you are. Ah, my wife forgot to have your name put up on the door--better do it now, eh? (_He writes it on the card in the door-plate._) There--well, hope you'll find it all comfortable--we dine at eight, you know. You've plenty of time for all you've got to do! _Spurr. (to himself)._ If I only knew _what_ to do! I shall never have the cheek to come down as I am! [_He enters the Verney Chamber dejectedly._ SCENE XIV.--_An Upper Corridor in the East Wing._ _Steward's Room Boy_ (_to_ UNDERSHELL). This is your room, Sir--you'll find a fire lit and all. _Undershell (scathingly)._ A fire? For me! I scarcely expected such an indulgence. You are _sure_ there's no mistake? _Boy._ This is the room I was told, Sir. You'll find candles on the mantelpiece, and matches. _Und._ Every luxury indeed! I am pampered--_pampered_!