_Sir Rup._ (_entering with_ UNDERSHELL). Ha, ROHESIA, you've come down, then? slept well, I hope. I was talking to a gentleman whose acquaintance I know you will be very happy to make--at last. This is the genuine celebrity _this_ time. (_To_ UNDERSHELL.) Let me make you known to my sister, Lady CANTIRE, Mr. UNDERSHELL. (_As_ Lady CANTIRE _glares interrogatively._) Mr. CLARION BLAIR, ROHESIA, author of hum--ha--_Andromache_. _Lady Cant._ I thought we were given to understand last night that Mr. SPURRELL--Mr. BLAIR--you must pardon me, but it's really so very confusing--that the writer of the--ah--volume in question had already left Wyvern. _Sir Rup._ Well, my dear, you see he is still here--er--fortunately for us. If you'll excuse me, I'll leave Mr. BLAIR to entertain you; got to speak to TREDWELL about something. [_He hurries out._ _Und._ (_to himself_). This must be Lady MAISIE'S mamma. Better be civil to her, I suppose, but I can't stay here and entertain her long! (_Aloud._) Lady CANTIRE, I--er--have an appointment for which I am already a little late; but before I go, I should like to tell you how much pleasure it has given me to know that my poor verse has won your approval; appreciation from---- _Lady Cant._ I'm afraid you must have been misinformed, Mr.--a--BLAIR. There are so many serious publications claiming attention in these days of literary over-production that I have long made it a rule to read no literature of a lighter order that has not been before the world for at least ten years. I may be mistaken, but I infer from your appearance that your own work must be of a considerably more recent date. _Und._ (_to himself_). If she imagines she's going to snub Me----! (_Aloud._) Then I was evidently mistaken in gathering from some expressions in your daughter's letter that---- _Lady Cant._ Entirely. You are probably thinking of some totally different person, as my daughter has never mentioned having written to you, and is not in the habit of conducting _any_ correspondence without my full knowledge and approval. I think you said you had some appointment; if so, pray don't consider yourself under any necessity to remain. _Und._ You are very good; I will not. (_To himself, as he retires._) Awful old lady, that! I quite thought she would know all about that letter, or I should never have---- However, I said nothing to compromise anyone, luckily! _Lady Culverin_ (_entering_). Good morning, ROHESIA. So glad you felt equal to coming down. I was almost afraid--after _last night_, you know. _Lady Cant._ (_offering a cold cheekbone for salutation_). I am in my usual health, thank you, ALBINIA. As to last night, if you _must_ ask a literary Socialist down here, you might at least see that he is received with common courtesy. You may, for anything _you_ can tell, have advanced the Social Revolution ten years in a single evening! _Lady Culv._ My _dear_ ROHESIA! If you remember, it was you yourself who----!