y_ part, I don't attempt to see anything
_thoroughly_ the first time. Just scamper through, glance at the
things one oughtn't to miss, get a general impression, and come away.
_Then_, if I don't happen to come again, I've always _done_ it, you
see. But (_considerately_), look here. Don't let me drag you about, if
you'd rather not!

_First S. M._ Oh, but I shouldn't like to feel I was any tie on you.
Don't you mind about me. I shall potter about in here--for hours, I
daresay.

_Second S. M._ Ah, well (_with vague consolation_), I shall always
know where to _find_ you, I suppose.

_First S. M._ (_brightening visibly_). Oh dear, yes; _I_ shan't be far
away.

[_They part with mutual relief, only tempered by the necessity
of following the course they have respectively prescribed for
themselves. Nemesis overtakes the_ Second S. M. _in the next
Gallery, when he is captured by a Desultory Enthusiast, who
insists upon dragging him all over the place to see obscure
"bits" and "gems," which are only to be appreciated by ricking
the neck or stooping painfully_.

_A Suburban Lady (to Female Friend)._ Oh dear, _how_ stupid of me! I
_quite_ forgot to bring a pencil! Oh, _thank_ you, dear, that will do
_beautifully_. It's just a _little_ blunt; but so long as I can _mark_
with it, you know. You don't think we should avoid the crush if we
began at the end room? Well, perhaps it _is_ less confusing to begin
at the beginning, and work steadily through.

IN GALLERY NO. I.

_A small group has collected before_ Mr. WYLLIE'S "Davy
Jones's Locker," _which they inspect solemnly for some time
before venturing to commit themselves to any opinion_.

_First Visitor (after devoting his whole mind to the subject)._ Why,
it's the Bottom of the Sea--at least (_more cautiously_), that's what
it seems to be _intended_ for.

_Second V._ Ah, and very well done, too. I wonder, now, how he managed
to stay down long enough to paint all that?

_Third V._ Practice, I suppose. I've seen writing done under water
myself. But that was a tank!

_Fourth V. (presumably in profound allusion to the fishes and
sea-anemones)._ Well, they seem to be 'aving it all their own way down
there, don't they? [_The Group, feeling that this remark sums up the
situation, disperses._

_The Suburban Lady (her pencil in full play)._ No. 93. Now what's
_that_ about? Oh, "_Forbidden Sweets_,"--yes, to be sure. _Isn't_ that
charming