_The Bishop._ If I had thought my--ah--criticisms were to be repeated--I might say misrepresented, as the Countess has thought proper to do, Mr. SPURRELL, I should not have ventured to make them. At the same time, you must be conscious yourself, I think, of certain blemishes which would justify the terms I employed.
_Spurr._ I never saw any in _Andromeda_ myself, your--your Holiness. You're the first to find a fault in her. I don't say there mayn't be something dicky about the setting and the turn of the tail, but that's a trifle.
_The Bishop._ I did not refer to the setting of the tale, and the portions I object to are scarcely trifles. But pardon me if I prefer to end a discussion that is somewhat unprofitable. (_To himself, as he turns on his heel._) A most arrogant, self-satisfied, and conceited young man--a truly lamentable product of this half-educated age!
_Spurr._ (_to himself_). Well, he may be a dab at dogmas--he don't know much about dogs. _Drummy_'s got a constitution worth a dozen of _his_!
_Lady Culv._ (_approaching him_). Oh, Mr. SPURRELL, Lord LULLINGTON wishes to know you. If you will come with me. (_To herself, as she leads him up to_ Lord L.) I do _wish_ ROHESIA wouldn't force me to do this sort of thing!
_Lord Lullington_ (_to himself_). I suppose I _ought_ to know all about his novel, or whatever it is he's done. (_Aloud, with courtliness._) Very pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. SPURRELL; you've--ah--delighted the world by your _Andromeda_. When are we to look for your next production? Soon, I hope.
_Spurr._ (_to himself_). He's after a pup now! Never met such a doggy lot in my life! (_Aloud._) Er--well, my lord, I've promised so many as it is, that I hardly see my way to----
_Lord Lull._ (_paternally_). Take my advice, my dear young man, leave yourself as free as possible. Expect you to give us your best, you know.
_Spurr._ (_to himself_). _Give_ it! He won't get it under a five-pound note, I can tell him. (_He makes his way to_ Miss SPELWANE.) I say, what do you think the old Bishop's been up to? Pitching into _Andromeda_ like the very dooce--says she's _sickly_!
_Miss Spelwane_ (_to herself_). He brings his literary disappointments to _me_, not MAISIE! (_Aloud, with the sweetest sympathy._) How dreadfully unjust! Oh, I've dropped my fan--no, pray don't trouble; I can pick it up. My arms are so long, you know--like a kangaroo's--no, what _is_ that animal which has such long arms? You're so clever, you _ought_ to know!
