[The rest regard him with unaffected surprise and disapproval.
Lady Cantire (raising her glasses). Upon my word, Mr. Blair! If you will kindly leave Captain Thicknesse to make his own arrangements——!
Lady Maisie (interposing hastily). But, mamma, you must have misunderstood Mr. Blair! As if he would dream of—— He was merely mentioning the train he wishes to go by himself. Weren't you, Mr. Blair?
Undershell (blinking and gasping). I—eh? Just so, that—that was my intention, certainly. (To himself.) Does she at all realise what this will cost her?
Lady Culverin. My dear Mr. Blair, I—I'd no notion we were to lose you so soon; but if you're really quite sure you must go——
Lady Cantire (sharply). Really, Albinia, we must give him credit for knowing his own mind. He tells you he is obliged to go!
Lady Culverin. Then of course we must let you do exactly as you please.
Pilliner (to himself). Lady Maisie's a little brick! No notion she had it in her. No occasion to bother myself about the beggar now. "Let him alone and he'll go home, and carry his tail beneath him!"
[All except Miss Spelwane breathe more freely; Tredwell appears.
Lady Culverin. Oh, lunch, is it, Tredwell? Very well. By the bye, see that some one packs Mr. Undershell's things for him, and tell them to send the dog-cart round after lunch in time to catch the 3.15 from Shuntingbridge.