_Phill._ I _said_ so, didn't I? Don't you think it was rather clever of me to spot you, when you're not a bit horsey-looking?
_Und._ (_with elaborate irony_). Accept my compliments on a power of penetration which is simply phenomenal!
_Phill._ (_giving him a little push_). Oh, go along--it's all talk with you--I don't believe you mean a word you say!
_Und._ (_to himself_). She's becoming absolutely vulgar. (_Aloud._) I don't--I _don't_; it's a manner I have; you mustn't attach any importance to it--none whatever!
_Phill._ What! Not to all those high-flown compliments? Do you mean to tell me you're only a gay deceiver, then?
_Und._ (_in horror_). Not a _deceiver_, no; and decidedly not _gay_. I mean I _did_ mean the _compliments_, of course. (_To himself._) I mustn't let her suspect anything, or she'll get talking about it; it would be too horrible if this were to get round to Lady MAISIE or the CULVERINS--so undignified; and it would ruin all my _prestige_! Ive only to go on playing a part for a few minutes, and--maid or not--she's a most engaging girl!
[_He goes on playing the part, with the unexpected result of sending Miss_ PHILLIPSON _into fits of uncontrollable laughter._
SCENE XI.--_The Back Entrance at Wyvern._ _The Fly has just set down_ PHILLIPSON _and_ UNDERSHELL.
_Tredwell_ (_receiving_ PHILLIPSON). Lady MAISIE'S maid, I presume? I'm the butler here--Mr. TREDWELL. Your ladies arrived some time back. I'll take you to the housekeeper, who'll show you their rooms, and where yours is, and I hope you'll find everything comfortable. (_In an undertone, indicating_ UNDERSHELL, _who is awaiting recognition in the doorway._) Do you happen to know who it is _with_ you?
_Phillipson_ (_in a whisper_). I can't quite make him out he's so flighty in his talk. But he _says_ he belongs to some Mews or other.
_Tred._ Oh, then _I_ know who he is. We expect him right enough. He's a partner in a crack firm of Vets. We've sent for him special. I'd better see to him, if you don't mind finding your own way to the Housekeeper's Room, second door to the left, down that corridor. (PHILLIPSON _departs_.) Good morning to you, Mr.--ah--Mr.----?
_Undershell_ (_coming forward_). Mr. UNDERSHELL. Lady CULVERIN expects me, I believe.