Lyre and Lancet: A Story in Scenes
9781465677846
213 pages
Library of Alexandria
Overview
In Sir Rupert Culverin's Study at Wyvern Court. It is a rainy Saturday morning in February. Sir Rupertis at his writing-table, as Lady Culverin enters with a deprecatory air. Lady Culverin. So here you are, Rupert! Not very busy, are you? I won't keep you a moment. (She goes to a window.) Such a nuisance it's turning out wet, with all these people in the house, isn't it? Sir Rupert. Well, I was thinking that, as there's nothing doing out of doors, I might get a chance to knock off some of these confounded accounts, but—(resignedly)—if you think I ought to go and look after——Lady Culverin. No, no; the men are playing billiards, and the women are in the morning-room—they're all right. I only wanted to ask you about to-night. You know the Lullingtons, and the dear Bishop and Mrs. Rodney, and one or two other people are coming to dinner? Well, who ought to take in Rohesia? Sir Rupert (in dismay). Rohesia! No idea she was coming down this week! Lady Culverin. Yes, by the 4.45. With dear Maisie. Surely you knew that? Sir Rupert. In a sort of way; didn't realize it was so near, that's all. Lady Culverin. It's some time since we had her last. And she wanted to come. I didn't think you would like me to write and put her off. Sir Rupert. Put her off? Of course I shouldn't, Albinia. If my only sister isn't welcome at Wyvern at any time—I say at any time—where the deuce is she welcome? Lady Culverin. I don't know, dear Rupert. But—but about the table? Sir Rupert. So long as you don't put her near me—that's all I care about. Lady Culverin. I mean—ought I to send her in with Lord Lullington, or the Bishop? Sir Rupert. Why not let 'em toss up? Loser gets her, of course. Lady Culverin. Rupert! As if I could suggest such a thing to the Bishop! I suppose she'd better go in with Lord Lullington—he's Lord Lieutenant—and then it won't matter if she does advocate Disestablishment. Oh, but I forgot; she thinks the House of Lords ought to be abolished too! Sir Rupert. Whoever takes Rohesia in is likely to have a time of it. Talked poor Cantire into his tomb a good ten years before he was due there. Always lecturing, and domineering, and laying down the law, as long as I can remember her. Can't stand Rohesia—never could! Lady Culverin. I don't think you ought to say so, really, Rupert. And I'm sure I get on very well with her—generally. Sir Rupert. Because you knock under to her. Lady Culverin. I'm sure I don't, Rupert—at least, no more than everybody else. Dear Rohesia is so strong-minded and advanced and all that, she takes such an interest in all the new movements and things, that she can't understand contradiction; she is so democratic in her ideas, don't you know.
