Muir (to the Duchess): Good-day, your Grace. (To Mrs. Ferguson.) Very entertaining, Mrs. Ferguson.
[He takes his leave generally and goes, speaking to Ferguson on his way out. Robertson is saying good-bye to Miss Taylor, and crosses to Mrs. Ferguson.]
Robertson: Good-afternoon, Mrs. Ferguson. A most instructive gathering, I am sure.
Mrs. Ferguson: Good-afternoon, Mr. Robertson. It was very considerate of you to spare us the time.
Robertson (bowing stiffly to Burns): Good-afternoon, Mr. Burns. And may the Lord chasten your muse.
Burns: Yes, sir. I will speak to Him about it.
Robertson: I will remember it in my devotions.
[He follows Muir, taking leave of the company as he goes.]
Burns (to Mrs. Ferguson): I fear I was a little heated before we left table. I beg your indulgence. (To the Duchess.) Ma’am.
The Duchess (privately to him): You were quite right. He is a—damned blockhead, I think you said.