[Writes—­“Vermilion lips that sheathe a parrot tongue,” and
    runs over all the possible rhymes to “tongue."

Podb. (observing that his pencil is idle).  Gas cut off again?  Come for a toddle.  You don’t mean to stick here all the evening, eh?

Culch. Well, we might take a turn later on, and see the effect of St. Gudule in the moonlight.

Podb. Something like a rollick that!  But what do you say to dropping in quietly at the Eden for an hour or so, eh?  Variety show and all that going on.

Culch. Thanks—­variety shows are not much in my line; but don’t mind me if you want to go.

    [PODBURY wanders off, leaving CULCHARD free to observe
    Miss TROTTER.

Miss T. CHARLEY writes he’s having a lovely time in Germany going round.  I guess he isn’t feeling so cheap as he did.  I wish he’d come along right here.

Mr. T. I presume he’s put in all the time he had for Belgium—­likely we’ll fetch up against him somewhere before he’s through.

Miss T. Well, and I don’t care how soon we do, either.  CHARLEY’s a bright man, and real cultivated.  I’m always telling him that he’s purrfectly splendid company, considering he’s only a cousin.

Mr. T. That’s so every time.  I like CHARLEY VAN BOODELER first-rate myself.

Culch. (to himself).  If CHARLEY VAN BOODELER was engaged to her, I suppose he’d be here.  Pshaw!  What does it matter?  Somehow, I rather wish now that I’d—­but perhaps we shall get into conversation presently.  Hang it, here’s that fellow PODBURY back again!  Wish to goodness he’d—­ (To PODBURY.) Hallo, so you haven’t started yet?

Podb. Been having a talk with the porter.  He says there’s a big fair over by the Station du Midi, and it’s worth seeing.  Are you game to come along and sample it, eh?

Culch. (with an easy indifference intended for_ Miss T.’s benefit).  No, I think not, thanks.  I’m very comfortable where I am.

    [He resumes his writing.

Podb. Well, it’s poor fun having to go alone!

    [He is just going, when Mr. TROTTER rises and comes towards
    him.

Mr. T. You’ll excuse me, Sir, but did I overhear you remark that there was a festivity in progress in this city?

Podb. So I’m told; a fair, down in the new part.  I could tell you how to get to it, if you thought of going.

Mr. T. Well, I don’t see how I should ever strike that fair for myself, and I guess if there’s anything to be seen we’re bound to see it, so me and my darter—­allow me to introduce my darter to you—­MAUD, this gentleman is Mr.—­I don’t think I’ve caught your name, Sir—­PODBURY?—­Mr. PODBURY who’s kindly volunteered to conduct us round.

Miss T. I should have thought you’d want to leave the gentleman some say in the matter, Father—­not to mention me!