_Mrs. Chatteris._ Really? I _thought_ they seemed to take a great pleasure in one another's society. It's quite romantic. But I must rush up and get my bonnet on if I'm to go to church. (_To herself, as she goes out._) So she _was_ "Lady Grisoline," after all! If I was her mother---- But dear Lady Cantire is so advanced about things.
_Lady Cantire_ (_to herself_). Darling Maisie! He'll be Lord Dunderhead before very long. How sensible and sweet of her! And I was quite uneasy about them last night at dinner; they scarcely seemed to be talking to each other at all. But there's a great deal more in dear Maisie than one would imagine.
_Sir Rupert_ (_outside_). We're rather proud of our church, Mr. Undershell--fine old monuments and brasses, if you care about that sort of thing. Some of us will be walking over to service presently, if you would like to----
_Undershell_ (_outside--to himself_). And lose my _tête-à-tête_ with Lady Maisie! Not exactly! (_Aloud._) I am afraid, Sir Rupert, that I cannot conscientiously----
_Sir Rupert_ (_hastily_). Oh, very well, very well; do exactly as you like about it, of course. I only thought---- (_To himself._) Now, that _other_ young chap would have gone!
_Lady Cantire._ Rupert, who is that you are talking to out there? I don't recognise his voice, somehow.
_Sir Rupert_ (_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 Cantire._ 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 Rupert._ 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 Adams about something.
_Undershell_ (_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----
