LYRE AND LANCET.
(A Story in Scenes.)
PART XXIII.—SHRINKAGE.
Scene XXXIII.—The Yew Walk.
Lady Maisie (to herself, as she watches Undershell approaching). How badly he walks, and what does he mean by smiling at me like that? (Aloud, coldly.) I am sorry, Mr. Blair, but I must leave you to finish your stroll alone; my maid has just told me——
Undershell (vehemently). Lady Maisie, I ask you, in common fairness, not to judge me until you have heard my version. You will not allow the fact that I travelled down here in the same compartment with your maid, Phillipson——
Lady Maisie (wide-eyed). The same! But we came by that train. I thought you missed it?
Und. I—I was not so fortunate. It is rather a long and complicated story, but——
Lady Maisie. I'm afraid I really can't listen to you now, Mr. Blair, after what I have heard from Phillipson——
Und. I implore you not to go without hearing both sides. Sit down again—if only for a minute. I feel confident that I can explain everything satisfactorily.