_Phill._ Well, go back to the Drawing Room, then; don't keep Lady RHODA waiting for her liniment on my account. I ought to be in my ladies' rooms by this time. Only don't be surprised if, whenever you _are_ free to choose, you find you've come back just too late--that's all! [_She turns to leave him._ _Spurr._ (_detaining her_). EMMA, I won't let you go like this! Not before you've told me where I can meet you again here. _Phill._ There's no place that I know of--except the Housekeeper's Room; and of course you couldn't descend so low as that.... JAMES, there's somebody coming! Let go my hand--do you want to lose me my character! [_Steps and voices are heard at the other end of the passage; she frees herself, and escapes._ _Spurr._ (_attempting to follow_). But, EMMA, stop one---- She's gone!... Confound it, there's the butler and a page-boy coming! It's no use staying up here any longer. (_To himself, as he goes downstairs._) It's downright _torture_--that's what it is! To be tied by the leg in the Drawing-Room, doing the civil to a lot of girls I don't care a blow about; and to know that all the time some blarneying beggar downstairs is doing his best to rob me of my EMMA! Flesh and blood can't stand it; and yet I'm blest if I see any way out of it without offending 'em all round. [_He enters the Chinese-Drawing-Room._ SCENE XXVII.--_The Chinese Drawing Room._ _Miss Spelwane._ At last, Mr. SPURRELL! We began to think you meant to keep away altogether. Has anybody told you _why_ you've been waited for so impatiently? _Spurr._ (_looking round the circle of chairs apprehensively_). No. Is it family prayers, or what? Er--are they over? _Miss Spelw._ No, no; nothing of that. Can't you _guess_? Mr. SPURRELL, I'm going to be very bold, and ask a great, _great_ favour of you, I don't know why they chose _me_ to represent them; I told Lady LULLINGTON I was afraid my entreaties would have no weight; but if you only would---- _Spurr._ (_to himself_). They're at it again! How many _more_ of 'em want a pup! (_Aloud._) Sorry to be disobliging, but---- _Miss Spelw._ (_joining her hands in supplication_). Not if I _implore_ you? Oh, Mr. SPURRELL, I've quite set my heart on hearing you read aloud to us. Are you really cruel enough to refuse? _Spurr._ Read aloud! Is _that_ what you want me to do? But I'm no particular hand at it. I don't know that I've ever read aloud--except a bit out of the paper now and then--since I was a boy at school! _Lady Cantire. What's_ that I hear? Mr. SPURRELL professing incapacity to read aloud? Sheer affectation! Come, Mr. SPURRELL, I am much mistaken if you are wanting in the power to thrill all hearts here. Think of us as instruments ready to respond to your touch. Play upon us as you will; but don't be so ungracious as to raise any further obstacles. _Spurr._ (_resignedly_). Oh, very well, if I'm required to read, _I_'m agreeable. [_Murmurs of satisfaction._