Stept. Pardon me. Afraid I was indiscreet. We must spare Miss Phillipson's blushes by all manner of means.
Phill. Oh, it was nothing of that sort, Mr. Steptoe! I've no objection to repeat what he said. He called me a little green something or other. No; he said that in the train, though. But he would have it that the old cab-horse was a magic steed, and the fly an enchanted chariot; and I don't know what all. (As nobody smiles.) It sounded awfully funny as he said it, with his face perfectly solemn like it is now, I assure you it did!
Stept. (patronisingly). I can readily believe it. We shall have you contributing to some of our yumerous periodicals, Mr. Undershell, Sir, before long. Such facetious talent is too good to be lost, it reelly is.
Und. (to himself, writhing). I gave her credit for more sense. To make me publicly ridiculous like this!
[He sulks.
Miss Stickler (to M. Ridevos, who suddenly rises). Mossoo, you're not going! Why, whatever's the matter?
M. Ridevos. Pairmeet zat I make my depart. I am cot at ze art.
[General outcry and sensation.
Mrs. Pomfr. (concerned). You never mean that, Mossoo? And a nice dish of quails just put on, too, that they haven't even touched upstairs!
M. Rid. It is for zat I do not remmain! Zey 'ave not toch him; my pyramide, result of a genius stupend, énorme! to zem he is nossing; zey retturn him to crash me! To-morrow I demmand zat Miladi accept my demission. Ici je souffre trop!