_Spurrell_ (_to himself, with a suppressed grin_). Wants to let me see _she_ knows some swells. Now _ain't_ that paltry?
_Lady Cantire_ (_tendering the paper_). Would you like to see it, Maisie? Just this bit here; where my finger is.
_Lady Maisie_ (_to herself, flushing_). I saw him smile. What _must_ he think of us, with his splendid scorn for rank? (_Aloud._) No, thank you, mamma: such a wretched light to read by!
_Spurrell_ (_to himself_). Chance for _me_ to cut in! (_Aloud._) Beastly light, isn't it? 'Pon my word, the company ought to provide us with a dog and string apiece when we get out!
_Lady Cantire_ (_bringing a pair of long-handled glasses to bear upon him_). I happen to hold shares in this line. May I ask _why_ you consider a provision of dogs and string at all the stations a necessary or desirable expenditure?
_Spurrell._ Oh--er--well, you know, I only meant, bring on _blindness_ and that. Harmless attempt at a joke, that's all.
_Lady Cantire._ I see. I scarcely expected that _you_ would condescend to such weakness. I--ah--think you are going down to stay at Wyvern for a few days, are you not?
_Spurrell_ (_to himself_). I was right. What Tom said _did_ fetch the old girl; no harm in humouring her a bit. (_Aloud._) Yes--oh yes, they--aw--wanted me to run down when I could.
_Lady Cantire._ I heard they were expecting you. You will find Wyvern a pleasant house--for a short visit.
_Spurrell_ (_to himself_). _She_ heard! Oh, she wants to kid me she knows the Culverins. Rats! (_Aloud._) Shall I, though? I dare say.
_Lady Cantire._ Lady Culverin is a very sweet woman; a little limited, perhaps, not intellectual, or quite what one would call the _grande dame_; but perhaps _that_ could scarcely be expected.
_Spurrell_ (_vaguely_). Oh, of course not--no. (_To himself._) If she bluffs, so can I! (_Aloud._) It's funny your turning out to be an acquaintance of Lady C.'s, though.
_Lady Cantire._ You think so? But I should hardly call myself an _acquaintance_.
_Spurrell_ (_to himself_). Old cat's trying to back out of it now; she shan't, though! (_Aloud._) Oh, then I suppose you know Sir Rupert best?
_Lady Cantire._ Yes, I certainly know Sir Rupert better.
_Spurrell_ (_to himself_). Oh, you do, do you? We'll see. (_Aloud._) Nice cheery old chap, Sir Rupert, isn't he? I must tell him I travelled down in the same carriage with a particular friend of his. (_To himself._) That'll make her sit up!