_Phill._ Especially two-legged ones! You see I've been told all about it!
_Spurr._ I assure you I didn't go a step beyond the most ordinary civility. You're not going to be jealous because I promised I'd give her a liniment for one of her dogs, are you?
_Phill._ Liniment! You always _were_ a flirt, JAMES! But I'm not jealous. I've met a very nice-spoken young man while I've been here; he sat next to me at supper, and paid me the most beautiful compliments, and was most polite and attentive--though he hasn't got as far as liniment, at present.
_Spurr._ But, EMMA, you're not going to take up with some other fellow just when we've come together again?
_Phill._ If you call it "coming together," when I'm down in the Housekeeper's Room, and you're up above, carrying on with ladies of title!
_Spurr._ Do you want to drive me frantic? As if I could help being where I am! How could I know _you_ were here?
_Phill._ At all events you know _now_, JAMES. And it's for you to choose between your smart lady-friends and me. If you're fit company for them, you're too grand for one of their maids.
_Spurr._ My dear girl, don't be unreasonable! I'm expected back in the Drawing Room, and I _can't_ throw 'em over now all of a sudden without giving offence. There's the interests of the firm to consider, and it's not for me to take a lower place than I'm given. But it's only for a night or two, and you don't really suppose I wouldn't rather be where you are if I was free to choose--but I'm _not_, EMMA, that's the worst of it!
_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!
_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._