_Culch._ (_calmly shutting it again, as PODBURY returns to bed_). You'll be grateful to me by-and-by.
[_Slips between his mosquito-curtains in a gingerly manner, and switches off the electric light. A silence._
_Podb._ I say, you ain't asleep, are you? Think we shall see anything of them to-morrow, eh?
_Culch._ See? I can _hear_ one singing in my ear at this moment. (_Irritably._) You _would_ open the window!
_Podb._ (_sleepily_). Not mosquitoes. I meant HYPATIA, and the--haw--yaw--TROTTERS.
_Culch._ How can _I_ tell? (_Second silence._) PODBURY! What did I _tell_ you? One's just bitten me--the _beast_! (_He turns on the light, and slaps about frantically_). I say, I can hear him buzzing all over the place!
_Podb._ So can I hear _you_ buzzing. How the dickens is a fellow to get to sleep while you're playing Punch and Judy in there?
_Culch._ He's got me on the nose now! There's a lot outside. Just turn off the light, will you? I daren't put my arm out. (_To_ Mosquito.) You brute! (_To_ Podb.) PODBURY, _do_ switch off the light--like a good fellow!
_Podb._ (_dreamily_). Glass up, Gondolier ... stifling in this cab ... drive me ... nearest Doge. [_He snores._
_Culch._ Brutal selfishness! (_Turns out the light himself._) Now if I can only get off to sleep while that little beast is quiet--
_Mosquito_ (_ironically, in his ear_). Ping-a-wing-wing!
_Culch._ (_drawing PODBURY's curtains_). Here, wake up, PODBURY--it's just eight. (_PODBURY sits up, and rubs his eyes._) I've had a _horrible_ night, my dear fellow! I'm stung to such an extent! But (_hopefully_) I suppose there's nothing to _show_ particularly, eh? [_Presenting his countenance for inspection._
_Podb._ Not much of your original features, old fellow! (_He roars with laughter._) You've got a pair of cheeks like a raised map!
_Culch._ It--it's going _down_. Nothing to what it _was_, half an hour ago!
_Podb._ Then I'm jolly glad you didn't call me earlier, that's all!
_Culch._ It does feel a little inflamed. I wonder if I could get a little--er--violet powder, or something--?
_Podb._ (_with a painful want of sympathy_). Violet powder! Buy a blue veil--a good thick one!
_Culch._ What sort of impression _do_ you suppose I should get of Venice with a blue veil on?