_Bob_. Very likely--but I _couldn't_. I never interfere in my sister's
affairs, and, to tell you the honest truth, I don't feel particularly
inclined to make a beginning on your account. [_Strolls away._

_Culch._ (_to himself_). What a surly boor it is! But I don't
care--I'll do him a good turn, in spite of himself! (_Miss T.
returns_.) Do you know, I've just been having a chat with poor young
PRENDERGAST. He seems quite cut up at being forced to side with his
sister. I undertook to--er--intercede for him. Now is it quite
fair, or like your--er--usual good-nature, to visit his sister's
offences--whatever they are--on him? I--I only put it to you.

_Miss T._ Well, to think now! I guess you're about the most unselfish
Saint on two legs! Now some folks would have felt jealous.

_Culch._ Possibly--but I cannot accuse myself of such a failing as
that.

_Miss T._ I'd just like to hear you accuse yourself of _any_ failing!
I don't see however you manage to act so magnanimous and live. I told
you I wanted to study your character, and I believe it isn't going to
take me vurry much longer to make up my mind about _you_. You _don't_
suppose I'll have any time for Mr. PRENDERGAST after getting such a
glimpse into your nature? There, help me into the gondola, and don't
talk any more about it. Tell him to go to Salviati's right away.

_Culch._ (_dejectedly, to himself_). I've bungled it! I might have
_known_ I should only make matters worse!

_On the Piazzetta; it is moonlight, the Campanile and dome of
San Giorgio Maggiore are silhouetted sharp and black against
the steel-blue sky across a sea of silver ripples. PODBURY
and CULCHARD are pacing slowly arm-in-arm between the two
columns._

_Culch._ And so you went on to S. Giovanni in Bragora, eh? then over
the Arsenal, and rowed across the lagoons to see the Armenian convent?
A delightful day, my dear PODBURY! I hope you--er--appreciate the
inestimable privileges of--of seeing Venice so thoroughly?

_Podb._ Oh, of course it's very jolly. Find I get a trifle mixed
afterwards, though. And, between ourselves, I wouldn't mind--now and
then, you know--just dawdling about among the shops and people, as you
and the TROTTERS do!

_Culch._ That has its charms, no doubt. But don't you find Miss
PRENDERGAST a mine of information on Italian Art and History?

_Podb._ Don't I just--rather too _deep_ for me, y' know! I say, isn't
Miss TROTTER immense sport in th