Part 28 (2/2)
MISS P.'S V. That _does_ alter the case, doesn't it? And I may tell him there's some hope for him? You mustn't judge him by what he is with his friend, Mr. Podbury. Bob has such a _much_ stronger and finer character!
MISS T.'S V. Oh well, if he couldn't stand up more on his edge than Mr.
Podbury! Not that I mind Mr. Podbury any, there's no harm in him, but he's too real frivolous to amount to much.
PODB. (_collapsing_). Frivolous! From _her_ too! Oh, hang it _all_!
[_He buries his head in his hands with a groan._
MISS T.'S V. Well, see here, Hypatia. I'll take your brother on trial for a spell, to oblige you--there. I cann't say more at present. And now--about the other. I want to know just how you feel about him.
CULCH. The _other_!--that's Me! I wish to goodness you wouldn't make all that noise, Podbury, just when it's getting interesting!
MISS P.'S V. (_very low_). What is the good! Nothing will bring him back--_now_!
CULCH. Nothing? How little she knows me!
MISS T.'S V. I hope you don't consider _me_ nothing. And a word from me would bring him along pretty smart. The only question is whether I'm to say it or not.
MISS T.'S V. (_m.u.f.fled_). Dar-ling!
CULCH. I really think I might almost venture to go down now, eh, Podbury? (_No answer._) Selfish brute! [_Indignantly._
MISS T.'S V. But mind this--if he comes back, you've got to care for him the whole length of your boa--you won't persuade him to run in couples with anybody else. That's why he broke away the first time--and you were ever so mad with me because you thought I was at the bottom of it. But it was all his pride. He's too real independent to share chances with anybody alive.
CULCH. How thoroughly she understands me!
MISS T.'S V. And I guess Charley will grow out of the great Amurrcan Novel in time--it's not going ever to grow out of _him_, anyway!
CULCH. (_bewildered_). Charley? I don't see why she should mention Van Boodeler _now_!
MISS T.'S V. I like Charley ever so much, and I'm not going to have him cavort around along with a circus of suitors under vows. So, if I thought there was any chance of--well, say Mr. Culchard----
MISS P.'S V. (_indignant_). Maud! how _can_ you? That odious hypocritical creature! If you knew how I despised and----!
MISS T.'S V. Well, my dear, he's pretty paltry--but we'll let him go at that--I guess his shares have gone down considerable all round.
CULCH. Podbury, I--I--this conversation is evidently not intended for--for other ears--I don't know whether _you_ have heard enough, _I_ shall go down!
PODB. (_with a ghastly chuckle_). Like your shares, eh, old chap? And mine too, for that matter. Well, _I'm_ ready enough to go. Only, for goodness' sake, let's get away without being seen!
[_They slip softly down the series of inclined planes, and out to the steps, where they re-embark. As their gondola pushes off_, MR. TROTTER _and_ BOB PRENDERGAST _appear from the Museum_.
MR. T. Why, land sakes! ain't that Mr. Podbury and Mr. Culchard? Hi! you ain't ever going away? There's my darter and Miss Hypatia around somewhere--They'll be dreadful disappointed to have missed you!
PODB. (_with an heroic attempt at cheeriness_). We--we're awfully disappointed to have missed _them_, Mr. Trotter. Afraid we can't stop now! Good-bye!
[CULCHARD _pulls his hat-brim over his eyes and makes a sign to the gondoliers to get on quickly_; MR. TROTTER _comments with audible astonishment on their departure to_ BOB, _who preserves a discreet silence_.
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