Sir Rupert. And how did you get on to Wyvern—been here long?
Undershell. N—not particularly long.
Sir Rupert. Fact is, you see, we made a mistake. Very ridiculous, but we've been taking that young fellow, Mr. Spurrell, for you all this time; so we never thought of inquiring whether you'd come or not. It was only just now he told us how he'd met you in the Verney Chamber, and the very handsome way, if you will allow me to say so, in which you had tried to efface yourself.
Undershell (to himself). I didn't expect him to take that view of it! (Aloud.) I—I felt I had no alternative.
[Lady Maisie regards him with admiration.
Sir Rupert. You did an uncommon fine thing, sir, and I'm afraid you received treatment on your arrival which you had every right to resent.
Undershell (to himself). I hoped he didn't know about the housekeeper's room! (Aloud.) Please say no more about it, Sir Rupert. I know now that you were entirely innocent of any——
Sir Rupert (horrified). Good Gad! you didn't suppose I had any hand in fixing up that booby-trap, or whatever it was, did you? Young fellows will get bear-fighting and playing idiotic tricks on one another, and you seem to have been the victim—that's how it was. Have you had anything to eat since you came? If not——
Undershell (hastily). Thank you, I—I have dined. (To himself.) So he doesn't know where, after all! I will spare him that.
Sir Rupert. Got some food at Shuntingbridge, eh? Afraid they gave you a wretched dinner?