_Miss Stick, (graciously)._ So you've felt equal to joining us for once, Mossoo! We feel it a very 'igh compliment, I can assure you. We've really been feeling quite 'urt at the way you keep to yourself--you might be a regular 'ermit for all _we_ see of you! _M. Rid._ For invent, dear Mees, for create, ze arteeste must live ze solitaire as of rule. To-night--no! I emairge, as you see, to res-tore myself viz your smile. _Miss Stick, (flattered)._ Well, I've always said, Mossoo, and I always _will_ say, that for polite 'abits and pretty speeches, give _me_ a Frenchman! _M. Rid. (alarmed)._ For me it is too moch 'appiness. For anozzer, ah! [_He kisses his fingers with ineffable grace._ _Phillipson_ (_advancing to meet_ Miss DOLMAN, _who has just entered_). Why, I'd no idea I should meet _you_ here, SARAH! And how have you been getting on, dear? Still with----? _Miss Dolman (checking her with a look)._ Her grace? No, we parted some time ago. I'm with Lady RHODA COKAYNE at present. (_In an undertone, as she takes her aside._) You needn't say anything here of your having known me at Mrs. DICKENSON'S. I couldn't afford to have it get about in the circle I'm in that I'd ever lived with any but the nobility. I'm sure you see what I mean. Of course I don't mind your saying we've _met_. _Phill._ Oh, I _quite_ understand. I'll say nothing. I'm obliged to be careful myself, being maid to Lady MAISIE MULL. _Miss Dolm._ My _dear_ EMMA! It _is_ nice seeing you again--such _friends_ as we used to be! _Phill._ At her Grace's? I'm afraid you're thinking of somebody else. (_She crosses to_ Mrs. POMFRET.) Mrs. POMFRET, what's become of the gentleman I travelled down with--the horse doctor? I do hope he means to come in; he would amuse _you_, Mr. STEPTOE. I never heard anybody go on like him; he _did_ make me laugh so! _Mrs. Pomfr._ I really can't say _where_ he is, my dear. I sent up word to let him know he was welcome here whenever he pleased; but perhaps he's feeling a little shy about coming down. _Phill._ Oh, I don't think he suffers much from _that_. (_As the door opens._) Ah, _there_ he is! _Mrs. Pomfr._ (_rising, with dignity, to receive_ UNDERSHELL, _who enters in obvious embarrassment_). Come in, Sir. I'm glad to see you've found your way down at last. Let me see, I haven't the advantage of knowing your--Mr. UNDERSHELL, _to_ be sure! Well, Mr. UNDERSHELL, we're very pleased to see you. I hope you'll make yourself quite at home. Her ladyship gave particular directions that we was to look after you--_most_ particular she was! _Undershell._ You are very good, Ma'am. I am obliged to Lady CULVERIN for her (_with a gulp_) condescension. But I shall not trespass more than a short time upon your hospitality.