Culch. If she happens to prefer my society to yours and her brother’s, I presume you have no claim to interfere.

Podb. I don’t know about that.  How about Miss TROTTER?

Culch. If I remember rightly, you yourself were not insensible to Miss TROTTER’s—­er—­attractions?

Podb. Perhaps not; but I am not engaged to her—­you are.  You told me so in the train.

Culch. You entirely misunderstood me.  There was no definite understanding between us—­nothing of the sort or kind.  In fact, it was merely a passing caprice.  Since I have had the privilege of knowing Miss PRENDERGAST, I see clearly—­

Podb. Then you mean to propose to her, eh?

Culch. That is certainly my intention; have you any objection to offer?

Podb. Only that I mean to propose too.  I daresay my chances are as good as yours—­even now.

Culch. I doubt it, my dear fellow; however, don’t let me discourage you.

Podb. I don’t intend to. (The figure of Miss PRENDERGAST is seen to pass the glazed doors, and move slowly across the Musik-saal; both rush to the door, and look after her.) She’s gone out into the balcony.  ’Jove, I’ll go, too, and get it over!

Culch. I should not advise you to do so.  It is possible she may have gone there with the—­er—­expectation of being joined by—­by somebody else. [He smiles complacently.

Podb. You mean she gave you a rendezvous there?  I don’t believe it!

Culch. I did not say so.  But I am not prepared to deny that I have been waiting here with some such expectation.

Podb. (holding the door).  If you go, I go too—­that’s all.

Culch. Don’t be absurd.  You will only be de trop, I assure you.

Podb. De trop or not, I mean going—­she shall choose between us.

Culch. (turning pale).  I suppose you intend to enlighten her as to my—­er—­little flirtation (before I knew her) with Miss TROTTER?  Do it, PODBURY, do it—­if you think you’ll gain any good by it!

Podb. Telling tales is not exactly in my line.  But you don’t go on that balcony without me—­that’s all.

Culch. Well, listen to reason, my dear fellow.  What you propose is ridiculous.  I—­I don’t mind conceding this:  we’ll each go, and—­er tit up, as you call it, which goes first.

Podb. Done with you! (Produces a mark.) Sudden death.  You’re Eagle—­I’m the other Johnny. (Tosses.) Eagle!  Confound you!  But I mean to have my innings all the same.

Culch. You’re perfectly welcome—­when I’ve had mine.  I’ll—­er—­wish you good evening.

    [He stalks out triumphantly.  PODBURY places himself in a
    position from which he can command a view of the Musik-saal,
    over the top of “ueber Land und Meer,” and awaits results.