[She turns to leave him.
Spurrell (detaining her). Emma, I won't let you go like this! Not before you've told me where I can meet you again here.
Phillipson. 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.
Spurrell (attempting to follow). But, Emma, stop one—— She's gone!... Confound it, there's the butler and a page-boy coming! It's no use staying up here any longer. (To himself, as he goes downstairs.) It's downright torture—that's what it is! To be tied by the leg in the drawing-room, doing the civil to a lot of girls I don't care a blow about; and to know that all the time some blarneying beggar downstairs is doing his best to rob me of my Emma! Flesh and blood can't stand it; and yet I'm blest if I see any way out of it without offending 'em all round.
[He enters the Chinese Drawing-room.
In the Chinese Drawing-room.
Miss Spelwane. At last, Mr. Spurrell! We began to think you meant to keep away altogether. Has anybody told you why you've been waited for so impatiently?
Spurrell (looking round the circle of chairs apprehensively). No. Is it family prayers, or what? Er—are they over?
Miss Spelwane. No, no; nothing of that sort. Can't you guess? Mr. Spurrell, I'm going to be very bold, and ask a great, great favour of you. I don't know why they chose me to represent them; I told Lady Lullington I was afraid my entreaties would have no weight; but if you only would——