Spurr. Do you want to drive me frantic? As if I could help being where I am! How could I know you were here?
Phill. At all events you know now, James. And it's for you to choose between your smart lady-friends and me. If you're fit company for them, you're too grand for one of their maids.
Spurr. My dear girl, don't be unreasonable! I'm expected back in the Drawing Room, and I can't throw 'em over now all of a sudden without giving offence. There's the interests of the firm to consider, and it's not for me to take a lower place than I'm given. But it's only for a night or two, and you don't really suppose I wouldn't rather be where you are if I was free to choose—but I'm not, Emma, that's the worst of it!
Phill. Well, go back to the Drawing Room, then; don't keep Lady Rhoda waiting for her liniment on my account. I ought to be in my ladies' rooms by this time. Only don't be surprised if, whenever you are free to choose, you find you've come back just too late—that's all!
[She turns to leave him.
Spurr. (detaining her). Emma, I won't let you go like this! Not before you've told me where I can meet you again here.
Phill. There's no place that I know of—except the Housekeeper's Room; and of course you couldn't descend so low as that.... James, there's somebody coming! Let go my hand—do you want to lose me my character!
[Steps and voices are heard at the other end of the passage; she frees herself, and escapes.
Spurr. (attempting to follow). But, Emma, stop one—— She's gone!... Confound it, there's the butler and a page-boy coming! It's no use staying up here any longer. (To himself, as he goes downstairs.) It's downright torture—that's what it is! To be tied by the leg in the Drawing-Room, doing the civil to a lot of girls I don't care a blow about; and to know that all the time some blarneying beggar downstairs is doing his best to rob me of my Emma! Flesh and blood can't stand it; and yet I'm blest if I see any way out of it without offending 'em all round.
[He enters the Chinese-Drawing-Room.