Part 9 (1/2)
CULCH. Thanks, but I am no equestrian. (_To himself, after_ PODBURY'S _departure._) He seems to manage well enough without me. And yet I do think my society would be more good for him than----. Why did he want to borrow that book, though? Can my influence after all----(_He walks on thoughtfully, till he finds himself before an optician's window in which a mechanical monkey is looking through a miniature telescope; the monkey suddenly turns its head and gibbers at him. This familiarity depresses him, and he moves away, feeling lonelier than ever._)
ON THE TERRACE OF THE BURG. HALF AN HOUR LATER.
CULCH. (_on a seat commanding a panorama of roofs, gables, turrets, and spires_). Now this is a thing that can only be properly enjoyed when one is by oneself. The mere presence of Podbury--well, thank goodness, he's found more congenial company. (_He sighs._) That looks like an English girl sketching on the next seat. Rather a fine profile, so regular--general air of repose about her. Singular, now I think of it, how little repose there is about Maud. (_The_ Young Lady _rises and walks to the parapet._) Dear me, she has left her india-rubber behind her. I really think I ought----(_He rescues the india-rubber, which he restores to the owner._) Am I mistaken in supposing that this piece of india-rubber is your property?
THE Y. L. (_in musically precise tones_). Your supposition is perfectly correct. I was under the impression that it would be safe where it was for a few moments; but I am obliged to you, nevertheless. I find india-rubber quite indispensable in sketching.
CULCH. I can quite understand that. I--I mean that it reduces the--er--paralysing sense of irrevocability.
THE Y. L. You express my own meaning exactly.
[CULCHARD, _not being quite sure of his own, is proportionately pleased._
CULCH. You have chosen an inspiring scene, rich with historical interest.
THE Y. L. (_enthusiastically_). Yes, indeed. What names rise to one's mind instinctively! Melanchthon, John Huss, Kraft, and Peter Vischer, and Durer, and Wohlgemut, and Maximilian the First, and Louis of Bavaria!
CULCH. (_who has read up the local history, and does not intend to be beaten at this game_). Precisely. And the imperious Margrave of Brandenburg, and Wallenstein, and Gustavus Adolphus, and Goetz von Berlichingen. One can almost see their--er--picturesque personalities still haunting the narrow streets as we look down.
THE Y. L. I find it impossible to distinguish even the streets from here, I confess, but you probably see with the imagination of an artist.
_Are_ you one by any chance?
[Ill.u.s.tration: ”ER--I HAVE BROUGHT YOU THE PHILOSOPHICAL WORK I MENTIONED.”]
CULCH. Only in words; that is, I record my impressions in a poetic form.
A perfect sonnet may render a scene, a mood, a pa.s.sing thought, more indelibly than the most finished sketch; may it not?
THE Y. L. That is quite true; indeed, I occasionally relieve my feelings by the composition of Greek or Latin verses, which I find, on the whole, better adapted to express the subtler emotions. Don't you agree with me there?
CULCH. (_who has done no Greek or Latin verse since he left school_).
Doubtless. But I am hindering your sketch?
THE Y. L. No, I was merely saturating my mind with the general effect. I shall not really begin my sketch till to-morrow. I am going now. I hope the genius of the place will inspire you.
CULCH. Thank you. I trust it will--er--have that effect. (_To himself after the_ Young Lady _has left the terrace._) Now, that's a very superior girl--she has intellect, style, culture--everything the ideal woman _should_ have. I wonder, now, whether, if I had met her before--but such speculations are most unprofitable! How clear her eyes looked through her _pince-nez_! Blue-grey, like Athene's own. If I'd been with Podbury, I should never have had this talk. The sight of him would have repelled her at once. I shall tell him when I take him that book that he had better go his own way with his new friends. I like the view from this terrace--I shall come up here again--often.
SCENE--_The Conversations-Saal at the Wurtemburger-Hof. Evening._ PODBURY _at the piano_; BOB PRENDERGAST _and his sister_ HYPATIA _seated near him._
PODB. (_chanting dolefully_)--
Now then, this party as what came from Fla-an-ders, What had the com-plex-i-on rich and rare, He went and took and caught the yaller ja-un-ders-- And his complexion isn't what it were!
MR. AND MISS PRENDERGAST (_joining sympathetically in chorus_). And his complexion _isn't_ what it _were_!
[_There is a faint knock at the door, and_ CULCHARD _enters with a volume under his arm. None of the three observe him, and he stands and listens stiffly as_ PODBURY _continues,_--
Well, next this party as what came from Fla-an-ders, Whose complex-shun was formi-ally rare, Eloped to Injia with Eliza Sa-aun-ders, As lived close by in Canonbury Square.