llowances for your state of mind, PODBURY, but such an expression
as--as _jabber_, applied to my--er--well-meant attempts
at consolation, and just as I was about to propose an
arrangement--really, it's _too_ much! The moment we reach the hotel,
I will relieve you from any further infliction from (_bitterly_) what
you are pleased to call my "jabber!"

_Podb._ (_sulkily_). Very well--'m sure _I_ don't care! (_To
himself._) Even old CULCHARD won't have anything to do with me now! I
must have _somebody_ to talk to--or I shall go off my head! (_Aloud_).
I say, old _chap_! (_No answer_.) Look here--it's bad enough as it is
without _our_ having a row! Never mind anything I said.

_Culch._ I _do_ mind--I _must_. I am not accustomed to hear myself
called a--a _jabberer_!

_Podb._ I _didn't_ call you a jabberer--I only said you _talked_
jabber. I--I hardly know what I _do_ say, when I'm like this. And I'm
deuced sorry I spoke--there!

_Culch._ (_relaxing_). Well, do you withdraw jabber?

_Podb._ Certainly, old chap. I _like_ you to talk, only not--not
against Her, you know! What were you going to propose?

_Culch._ Well, my idea was this. My leave is practically unlimited--at
least, without vanity, I think I may say that my Chief sufficiently
appreciates my services not to make a fuss about a few extra days. So
I thought I'd just run down to Florence and Naples, and perhaps catch
a P. & O. at Brindisi. I suppose _you're_ not tied to time in any way?

_Podb._ (_dolefully_). Free as a bird! If the Governor had wanted me
back in the City, he'd have let me know it. Well?

_Culch._ Well, if you like to come with me, I--I shall be very pleased
to have your company.

_Podb._ (_considering_). I don't care if I do--it may cheer me up a
bit. Florence, eh?--and Naples? I shouldn't mind a look at Florence.
Or Rome. How about Rome, now?

_Culch._ (_to himself_). Was I wise to expose myself to this sort of
thing _again_? I'm almost sorry I-- (_Aloud._) My dear fellow, if
we are to travel together in any sort of comfort, you must leave all
details to _me_. And there's one thing I _do_ insist on. In future we
must keep to our original resolution--not to be drawn into any chance
acquaintanceship. I don't want to reproach you, but if, when we were
first at Brussels, you had not allowed yourself to get so intimate
with the TROTTERS, all this would never--

_Podb._ (_exasperated_). There you go again! I can't stand being jawed
at, CULC