Spurr. Oh, rabbits be blowed! (To Tanrake.) I wanted you to see that notice they put in of Andromeda and me, with my photo and all; it said she was the best bull-bitch they'd seen for many a day, and fully deserved her first prize.
Tanrake. She's a rare good bitch, and no mistake. But what made you call her such an outlandish name?
Spurr. Well, I was going to call her Sal; but a chap at the College thought the other would look more stylish if I ever meant to exhibit her. Andromeda was one of them Roman goddesses, you know.
Tanr. Oh, I knew that right enough. Come and have a drink before you start—just for luck—not that you want that.
Spurr. I'm lucky enough in most things, Tom; in everything except love. I told you about that girl, you know—Emma—and my being as good as engaged to her, and then, all of a sudden, she went off abroad and I've never seen or had a line from her since. Can't call that luck, you know. Well, I won't say no to a glass of something.
[They disappear into the Refreshment Room.
The Countess of Cantire enters with her daughter, Lady Maisie Mull.
Lady Cantire (to Footman). Get a compartment for us, and two foot-warmers, and a second-class as near ours as you can for Phillipson; then come back here. Stay, I'd better give you Phillipson's ticket. (The Footman disappears in the crowd.) Now we must get something to read on the journey. (To Clerk.) I want a book of some sort—no rubbish, mind; something serious and improving, and not a work of fiction.
Clerk. Exactly so, Ma'am. Let me see. Ah, here's Alone with the 'Airy Ainoo. How would you like that?
Lady Cant. (with decision). I should not like it at all.
Clerk. I quite understand. Well, I can give you Three 'Undred Ways of Dressing the Cold Mutton—useful little book for a family, redooced to one and ninepence.