Part 19 (1/2)

PODB. (_considerately, to_ CULCHARD, _who is following_ MISS PRENDERGAST _and him, in acute misery_). Look here, old fellow, Miss Prendergast would like to sit down, I know; so don't you bother about keeping with us if you'd rather _not_, you know! [CULCHARD _murmurs an inarticulate protest_.

MISS P. Surely, Mr. Podbury, you are aware by this time that Mr.

Culchard has a perfect mania for self-sacrifice!

[CULCHARD _drops behind, crushed_.

AMONG THE RUINS AT THE TOP OF THE HILL.

CULCH. (_who has managed to overtake_ MISS T. _and her companion_). Now _do_ oblige me by looking through that gap in the pines towards Lecco. I particularly wish you to observe the effect of light on those cliffs--it's well worth your while.

MISS T. Why, certainly, it's a view that does you infinite credit. Oh, you _didn't_ take any hand in the arrangement? But ain't you afraid if you go around patting the scenery on the head this way, you'll have the lake overflow?

BOB P. Ha-ha-ha! One in the eye for _you_, Culchard!

CULCH. (_with dignity_). Surely one may express a natural enthusiasm without laying oneself open----?

MISS T. Gracious, yes! I should hope you wouldn't want to show your enthusiasm _that_ way--like a j.a.panese n.o.bleman!

CULCH. (_to himself_). Now that's coa.r.s.e--_really_ coa.r.s.e!--(_Aloud._)--I seem to be unable to open my mouth now without some ridiculous distortion----

MISS T. My!--but that's a serious symptom--isn't it? You don't feel like you were going to have lock-jaw, do you, Mr. Culchard?

[CULCHARD _falls back to the rear once more. Later_--MR. VAN BOODELER _has joined the party_; HYPATIA _has contrived to detach her brother_. CULCHARD _has sought refuge with_ PODBURY.

MISS T. (_to_ VAN B.). So that's what kept you? Well, it sounds just too enchanting. But I cann't answer for what Miss Prendergast will say to it. It mayn't suit her notions of propriety.

MR. VAN B. I expect she'll be superior to Britannic prejudices of that kind. I consider your friend a highly cultivated and charming lady, Maud. She produces that impression upon me.

MISS T. I presume, from that, she has shown an intelligent interest in the great Amurrcan novel?

MR. VAN B. Why, yes; it enlists her literary sympathies--she sees all its possibilities.

MISS T. And they're pretty numerous, too. But here she comes. You'd better tell her your plan right now.

MISS P. (_in an earnest undertone to_ BOB, _as they approach, followed by_ CULCH. _and_ POD.). You _must_ try and be sensible about it, Bob; if _you_ are too blind to see that she is only----

BOB (_sulkily_). All _right!_ Haven't I _said_ I'd go? What's the good of _jawing_ about it?

MR. V. B. (_to_ MISS P.). I've been telling my cousin I've been organising a little water-party for this evening--moonlight, mandolins, Menaggio. If you find the alliteration has any attractions, I hope you and your brother will do me the pleasure of----

MISS P. I'm afraid not, thanks. We have all our packing to do. We find we shall have to leave early to-morrow.

[VAN B.'s _face falls_; BOB _listens gloomily to_ MISS T.'s _rather perfunctory expressions of regret_; PODBURY _looks anxious and undecided_; CULCHARD _does his best to control an unseemly joy_.

CHAPTER XVIII.

A Suspension of Hostilities.