RSHAM. [_Turning round_, _and looking at his son beneath his
bushy eyebrows_.] Do you always really understand what you say, sir?

LORD GORING. [_After some hesitation_.] Yes, father, if I listen
attentively.

LORD CAVERSHAM. [_Indignantly_.] If you listen attentively! . . .
Conceited young puppy!

[_Goes off grumbling into the smoking-room_. PHIPPS _enters_.]

LORD GORING. Phipps, there is a lady coming to see me this evening on
particular business. Show her into the drawing-room when she arrives.
You understand?

PHIPPS. Yes, my lord.

LORD GORING. It is a matter of the gravest importance, Phipps.

PHIPPS. I understand, my lord.

LORD GORING. No one else is to be admitted, under any circumstances.

PHIPPS. I understand, my lord. [_Bell rings_.]

LORD GORING. Ah! that is probably the lady. I shall see her myself.

[_Just as he is going towards the door_ LORD CAVERSHAM _enters from the
smoking-room_.]

LORD CAVERSHAM. Well, sir? am I to wait attendance on you?

LORD GORING. [_Considerably perplexed_.] In a moment, father. Do
excuse me. [LORD CAVERSHAM _goes back_.] Well, remember my
instructions, Phipps--into that room.

PHIPPS. Yes, my lord.

[LORD GORING _goes into the smoking-room_. HAROLD, _the footman shows_
MRS. CHEVELEY _in_. _Lamia-like_, _she is in green and silver_. _She
has a cloak of black satin_, _lined with dead rose-leaf silk_.]

HAROLD. What name, madam?

MRS. CHEVELEY. [_To_ PHIPPS, _who advances towards her_.] Is Lord
Goring not here? I was told he was at home?

PHIPPS. His lordship is engaged at present with Lord Caversham, madam.

[_Turns a cold_, _glassy eye on_ HAROLD, _who at once retires_.]

MRS. CHEVELEY. [_To herself_.] How very filial!

PHIPPS. His lordship told me to ask you, madam, to be kind enough to
wait in the drawing-room for him. His lordship will come to you there.

MRS. CHEVELEY. [_With a look of surprise_.] Lord Goring expects me?

PHIPPS. Yes, madam.

MRS. CHEVELEY. Are you quite sure?

PHIPPS. His lordship told me that if a lady called I was to ask her to
wait in the drawing-room. [_Goes to the door of the drawing-room and
opens it_.] His lordship's directions on the subject were very precise.

MRS. CHEVELEY. [_To herself_] How thoughtful of him! To expect the
unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect. [_Goes towards the
drawing-room and looks in_.] Ugh! How dreary a bachelor's drawing-room
alway