PART X
BORROWED PLUMES
In Undershell's Bedroom in the East Wing at Wyvern. Time—About 9 P.M.
The Steward's Room Boy (knocking and entering). Brought you up some 'ot water, sir, case you'd like to clean up afore supper.
Undershell. I presume evening dress is not indispensable in the housekeeper's room; but I can hardly make even the simplest toilet until you are good enough to bring up my portmanteau. Where is it?
Boy. I never 'eard nothink of no porkmanteau, sir!
Undershell. You will hear a good deal about it, unless it is forthcoming at once. Just find out what's become of it—a new portmanteau, with a white star painted on it.
[The Boy retires, impressed. An interval.
Boy (reappearing). I managed to get a few words with Thomas, our second footman, just as he was coming out o' the 'all, and he sez the only porkmanteau with a white star was took up to the Verney Chamber, which Thomas unpacked it hisself.
Undershell. Then tell Thomas, with my compliments, that he will trouble himself to pack it again immediately.
Boy. But Thomas has to wait at table, and besides, he says as he laid out the dress things, and the gen'lman as is in the Verney Chamber is a wearin' of 'em now, sir.