[Lady MAISIE _and_ Lady RHODA _utter inarticulate protests_. _Sir Rup._ My _dear_ Sir, not on any account--couldn't _hear_ of it! My wife, I'm sure, will say the same. _Lady Culverin_ (_with an effort_). I hope Mr. SPURRELL will continue to be our guest precisely as before--that is, if he will forgive us for putting him into another room---- _Spurr._ (_to himself_). It's no use; I _can't_ get rid of 'em; they stick to me like a lot of highly-bred burrs! (_Aloud, in despair._) Your ladyship is very good, but----Well, the fact is, I've only just found out that a young lady I've long been deeply attached to is in this very house. She's a Miss EMMA PHILLIPSON--maid, so I understand, to Lady MAISIE--and, without for one moment wishing to draw any comparisons, or to seem ungrateful for all the friendliness I've received, I really and truly would feel myself more comfortable in a circle where I could enjoy rather more of my EMMA'S society! _Sir Rup._ (_immensely relieved_). Perfectly natural! and--hum--sorry as we are to lose you, Mr. SPURRELL, we--ah--mustn't be inconsiderate enough to keep you here a moment longer. I daresay you will find the young lady in the Housekeeper's Room--anyone will tell you where it is.... Good-night to you, then: and, remember, we shall expect to see you in the field on Tuesday. _Lady Maisie._ Good-night, Mr. SPURRELL, and--and I'm so very glad--about EMMA, you know. I hope you will both be very happy. [_She shakes hands warmly._ _Lady Rhoda._ So do I. And mind you don't forget about that liniment, you know. _Captain Thicknesse_ (_to himself_). MAISIE don't care a hang! And I was ass enough to fancy----But there, that's all over now! SCENE XXVIII.--_The Verney Chamber._ _Undershell_ (_in the dressing-room, to himself_). I wonder how long I've been locked up here--it seems hours! I almost hope they've forgotten me altogether.... Someone has come in.... If it should be Sir RUPERT!! Great Heavens, what a situation to be found in by one's host!... Perhaps it's only that fellow SPURRELL; if so, there's a chance. (_The door is unlocked by_ TREDWELL, _who has lighted the candles on the dressing-table_.) It's the butler again. Well, I shall soon know the worst! (_He steps out, blinking, with as much dignity as possible_.) Perhaps you will kindly inform me why I have been subjected to this indignity? _Tred._ (_in perturbation_). I think Mr. UNDERSHELL, Sir, in common fairness, you'll admit as you've mainly yourself to thank for any mistakes that have occurred; for which I 'asten to express my pussonal regret. _Und._ So long as you realise that you have made a mistake, I am willing to overlook it, on condition that you help me to get away from this place without your master and mistress's knowledge. _Tred._ It's too late, Sir. They know you're 'ere! _Und._ They know! Then there's no time to be lost. I must leave this moment!