MISS P. (_icily_). I really think, dear, it would be better if we all kept together--for so _many_ reasons!
CULCH. (_with alacrity_). I agree with Miss Prendergast. A short cut is invariably the most indirect route.
MISS P. (_with intention_). You hear what Mr. Culchard says, my dear Maud? He advocates direct ways, as best in the long run.
MISS T. It's only going to be a short run, my love. But I'm vurry glad to observe that you and Mr. Culchard are so perfectly harmonious, as I'm leaving him on your hands for a spell. Aren't you ever coming, Mr. Prendergast? [_She leads him off, a not unwilling captive._
A PATH IN THE GROUNDS OF THE VILLA SERBELLONI.
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!
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 Japanese nobleman!
CULCH. (_to himself_). Now that's coarse--_really_ coarse!--(_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.