Und. (looking up from "Bradshaw," impulsively). Lady Culverin, I see there's a very good train which leaves Shuntingbridge at 3.15 this afternoon, and gets——
[The rest regard him with unaffected surprise and disapproval.
Lady Cant. (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?
Und. (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 Culv. 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 Cant. (sharply). Really, Albinia, we must give him credit for knowing his own mind. He tells you he is obliged to go!
Lady Culv. Then of course we must let you do exactly as you please. (All, except Miss Spelwane, breathe more freely; Tredwell appears.) 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 dogcart round after lunch in time to catch the 3.15 from Shuntingbridge.
Pill. (sotto voce, to Archie). And let us pray that the cart is properly balanced before starting, this time!
Miss Spelwane (to herself, piqued). Going already! I wish I had never touched his ridiculous snowdrops!