Scene XXVII.—The Chinese Drawing Room.
Miss Spelwane. At last, Mr. Spurrell! We began to think you meant to keep away altogether. Has anybody told you why you've been waited for so impatiently?
Spurr. (looking round the circle of chairs apprehensively). No. Is it family prayers, or what? Er—are they over?
Miss Spelw. No, no; nothing of that . Can't you guess? Mr. Spurrell, I'm going to be very bold, and ask a great, great favour of you, I don't know why they chose me to represent them; I told Lady Lullington I was afraid my entreaties would have no weight; but if you only would——
Spurr. (to himself). They're at it again! How many more of 'em want a pup! (Aloud.) Sorry to be disobliging, but——
Miss Spelw. (joining her hands in supplication). Not if I implore you? Oh, Mr. Spurrell, I've quite set my heart on hearing you read aloud to us. Are you really cruel enough to refuse?
Spurr. Read aloud! Is that what you want me to do? But I'm no particular hand at it. I don't know that I've ever read aloud—except a bit out of the paper now and then—since I was a boy at school!
Lady Cantire. What's that I hear? Mr. Spurrell professing incapacity to read aloud? Sheer affectation! Come, Mr. Spurrell, I am much mistaken if you are wanting in the power to thrill all hearts here. Think of us as instruments ready to respond to your touch. Play upon us as you will; but don't be so ungracious as to raise any further obstacles.
Spurr. (resignedly). Oh, very well, if I'm required to read, I'm agreeable.
[Murmurs of satisfaction.